HE/FE NEWS
Loughborough University fashion student’s workwear design to be created for up to 8,000 employees
A second-year BA Fashion Design and Technology student at Loughborough University will see he design for branded workwear brought to life by one of the UK’s largest business software providers, The Access Group, and be available for over 8,000 employees to wear.
Hollie’s winning designs featured an oversized red wool blazer, a statement hoodie, and wide-leg tailored trousers, which judges praised for its great use of colour, wearability and styling.
Importantly, Hollie used natural fabrics making her designs comfortable and breathable with no micro plastics, unlike synthetic fabrics. Hollie also researched local manufacturing suppliers to potentially cut down on air miles and carbon emissions in the production process.
She was announced as the winner during a runway event at The Access Group’s headquarters in Loughborough and will now see one of the t-shirts from her collection produced for over 8,000 employees at The Access Group to purchase, with all proceeds going to Young Lives vs Cancer, The Access Group’s chosen charity of the year.
Speaking on her win, Hollie said: “The whole process, from sketching my initial ideas and designing the garments to finalising the lineup and sending my collection out on the runway, was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s taught me how to work alongside a company and towards a live brief, which will help me incredibly with the rest of my degree and future career.”
NTU launches degree apprenticeship to professionalise youth work
A new course to develop the next generation of youth workers who will make a lasting impact on young people’s lives is being launched by Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
The new Level 6 Youth Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship, is designed for individuals from all backgrounds and features a blend of academic study and real-world experience. It offers a flexible, fully funded pathway for organisations to professionalise their teams and strengthen their youth support services.
With the spotlight brighter than ever on the plight of Britain’s young people, the UK government undertaking a major initiative to strengthen youth services[1], and debate still being sparked daily thanks to TV show Adolescence, the course has been developed in partnership with the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) and the National Youth Agency (NYA). It aims to ensure that practitioners are trained to a recognised level of professional competence and are equipped to work with young people in a safe, ethical and effective way.
NTU has also designed the course to meet the growing demand for qualified youth work professionals across schools, charities, and local authorities, particularly at a time when many organisations are under pressure to do more with less.
As an expert in delivering Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeships, NTU has developed the course with its apprentices in mind, offering a blended delivery of in person and at-home learning, tutor support and course content which is tailored for sector realities. Employers wishing to send staff on the course also benefit in being able to retain valuable staff, raise the quality of provision, and develop a workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of their organisation. The course is led by Lisa Wardle, an experienced youth work professional who has dedicated her career to supporting young people in a variety of settings, from youth centres to schools, where she worked as a Pastoral Manager for those at risk of exclusion. Lisa Wardle, Deputy Head of Department for Social Work, Care and Community at NTU and former school-based youth worker, said: “Youth work is a profession, not just a job. Youth workers play a vital role in engaging ‘hard-to-reach’ young people: those who may be at risk of offending, struggling with mental health, or disengaged from education and employment - helping protect, nurture and inspire them to make positive choices and seize opportunities that will shape their futures. This apprenticeship empowers employers to grow confident, capable staff who can engage young people early, address complex needs, and help them stay on track in education and in life.”
norelem launches competition for engineering students
norelem, a global manufacturer and supplier of standard components for machinery and automation, has launched a competition to spotlight innovative projects designed by aspiring student engineers this summer. The competition will give student engineers from universities or colleges across the UK the chance to win a cash prize and the title of Engineering Newcomer 2025.
The winner, along with two runners-up, will share a cash prize of £2,500 £1,250 for first, £750 for second, and 500 for third), as well as provide a platform to celebrate their work across the industry. Commenting on the announcement, Martin Ahner, Head of norelem Academy, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for engineering students to showcase the innovations they’re developing as part of their studies, gaining recognition and a cash prize.”
“At norelem, we understand the hard work behind these academic engineering projects. We want to celebrate this creativity and encourage the next generation to be proud of their achievements.”
To help make the entry process easier, students can simply follow the steps online, upload a CAD model of their project, and fill out the accompanying form.
Martin continued: “Most engineering students are already working on 12
www.education-today.co.uk May 2025
something great for university or engineering college, or pursuing a passion of their own aside from their studies which they’re proud of. With this simplified application process, students can enter their existing projects without the need for additional work to support the application.” Students can enter the competition here:
https://norelem.co.uk/en/ engineering-newcomer
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