BBC Look North feature The All-in-One Company helping unemployment figures with apprenticeship schemes

Posted on: 13/06/2013

Our textile cutter Daniel being interviewed by BBC Look North

On last nights BBC Look North, The All-in-One Company were featured to show how we are helping unemployment figures by providing apprenticeship schemes for young students. We work closely with Northumberland College to provide these schemes where our apprenticeships learn, develop and expand on their skills in house and by attending college for half a day each week.  Last year we created apprenticeships in fashion and textiles, which includes embroidery, sewing machining and bulk cutting. We have recruited our third apprentice and a Newcastle College design student to take our workforce to 22.   Kate said: “As we looked to grow we discovered that there was a real shortage of people with the experience we needed.  Sadly this country’s clothing manufacturing industry is a fraction of the size it used to be because lots of companies decided importing cheaply produced products was the way ahead.  We disagree.” Earlier this year, again through the college, Kate ran open days for people to find out what it was like working in a busy clothing factory and as a result 19-year-old Daniel Mackenzie from Blyth has joined the All-in-One team.  He said: “I did an apprenticeship in creative and digital media and was really disappointed not to get a job afterwards.  I came here with the thought of working in quality control, but loved the cutting. It’s different to the sort of job I thought I would get a couple of years ago, but it’s really creative and that’s what I wanted.” Alongside our trainee textile cutter is former Northumbria University student Nicola Patton.  “I love the people, the work and the atmosphere here. The whole idea is to help our customers design something that is as much about lifestyle as an item of clothing – and that’s really good fun,” said the 24-year-old from Westerhope in Newcastle. The new recruits have joined the company as it has increased the size of its factory.  We are also looking to take on an additional apprentice as the public’s passion for its products show no sign of diminishing.