FROM THE BFA
BFDT grants to support skills and training across UK footwear industry
The British Footwear Development Trust has opened applications for its 2025 Education and Training Grant Programme.
T
he British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) has announced that applications are now open for
its 2025 Education and Training Grant Programme, aimed at supporting individuals and businesses across the UK footwear industry to access skills development and professional training. Applications will close at midnight on Tuesday
30 September 2025. Now in its third year, the programme comes at a time when the UK footwear industry continues to evolve. From a growing focus on sustainability to the adoption of new materials, digital processes, and changing consumer habits, businesses across the sector are adapting how they design, make, and sell footwear. These shifts are creating a greater need for up-to-date skills and training, particularly in areas such as machinery, tools, and emerging technologies. The BFDT grant programme aims to support
this development by helping more people access relevant learning opportunities, whether to build new skills, strengthen existing ones, or bring structured training into the workplace. The programme supports education and training at all levels, from entry-level learning to advanced professional development, depending on the needs of the individual or business. It is open to applicants working in all parts of the UK footwear sector, including design, development, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and repair.
What Grants are available? There are two grant types available. Individual Grants support workers who want to update or expand their skills. These may be used for short courses, technical training, recognised qualifications, or hands-on learning. Company Grants are available for employers seeking to provide structured training for staff, whether through in-house programmes or external providers. Grants can support a wide range of learning
needs, from sustainability and innovation to more practical, technical training. This may include hands-on skills development using specialist tools or technologies, digital design platforms, or new approaches to materials, prototyping, and production. In some cases, funding may also be used to support the purchase of essential equipment or software, where it directly enables access to training or learning.
Several UK-based footwear businesses
have received BFDT grants, including Fairfax & Favor. The company used its funding to support the development of its product team through targeted training aligned with the needs of its business.
Professional development “The BFDT’s education and training grant was invaluable for the footwear Product Development team at Fairfax and Favor to support continuous professional development plans,” said Sara Driscoll, Product Development Manager at Fairfax & Favor. “The grant enabled both junior and
established personnel to undertake a variety of BFA courses to refresh current skills, meet like-minded professionals, embrace the latest innovations, and strengthen industry knowledge.” Support is available throughout the
application process, including for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. The BFDT encourages applications from all parts of the sector, including independent makers, SMEs, and those working in underrepresented or specialist areas.
Full details, including eligibility and
how to apply, can be found at
bfdt.britishfootwearassociation.co.uk.
8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • AUGUST 2025
DOWNLOAD THE FOOTWEAR TODAY APP NOW SPONSORED BY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
