Prestigious bursary programme supports Fashion student's industry experience

A Fashion student from Northumbria University was selected as one of just 10 students from across the UK to receive funding and mentoring guidance during his placement year from the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme.

Harry Russell, a third year Fashion BA (Hons) student at Northumbria University, has recently undertaken London-based internships with clothing brands Tondolo and Treddenick, supported by the bursary programme.

The Drapers’ Company has evolved from an historic trade association to a grant-giving organisation while the UK Fashion and Textile Association is the largest network representing the fashion and textile industry. Together they work to support fashion and textile students to source good quality internships through the scheme.

For 21-year-old Harry, from Sunderland, the financial support and industry guidance came at just the right time to complement the experience of his degree programme. During his Northumbria course, he has already explored fashion design through practical applications, while building a skilled knowledge of sketching, pattern-cutting, sewing and printing textiles using traditional and digital techniques.

Harry said: “My whole experience at Northumbria and during my placement year has fuelled me with more confidence in myself and my abilities. Having the industry experience from an internship means I now know I can put all my new skills to use in a live setting. I know I can make things efficiently and understand all elements of the design process, through to finishing a product.” He added: “It’s rare to find a paid internship in London so I am extremely grateful to have received the bursary to help with essentials and travel costs.”

During his time in London, Harry worked to deepen his understanding of design and production through hands-on experience. He was able to get involved in creating pre-production sample work for menswear and womenswear garments which allowed him to demonstrate his technical abilities.

‘‘I am grateful to have worked within such close-knit teams, where communication was essential, not just within the studio, but also in liaising with factories and fabric suppliers,” explained Harry. “This has highlighted for me the critical role communication plays within the running of a fashion brand, specifically when realising a designer’s vision and it’s something I will take forward throughout my professional career.’’

He added: “I feel it’s so important for design students of all disciplines to be supported to gain real-world experience, which not only furthers personal knowledge, but also opens the door to potentially work with companies and contacts again after you graduate.”

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of Northumbria’s strategy to power an inclusive economy – helping to place graduates in highly skilled jobs across the North East and beyond. The University has built a strong reputation for working with industry partners to offer high-quality, real-world learning experiences that enhance career opportunities – especially for students from backgrounds without ready access to professional networks. By continually expanding its provision of experiential learning, Northumbria aims to equip all students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Financial support from the Drapers’ Company is available to ten students annually to take up internship opportunities they may otherwise struggle to afford. UKFT provides mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities to each student to ensure their internships are safe, enjoyable and valuable.

Emma Jane Goldsmith, Assistant Professor in Fashion and Employability Lead for the subject at Northumbria University, recommended Harry apply for bursary. She explained: “Both our Fashion and Fashion Design and Marketing courses include an embedded placement year. This opportunity to work within the industry before graduation helps shape and develop our students, allowing them to put their learning into practice.

“It also enables them to build valuable connections and gain insights from exceptional professionals in the field. These relationships not only support their transition into employment but also make them highly employable, as they graduate with recognised practical experience and well-developed skills. Organisations like the UKFT are incredibly supportive, offering funding opportunities for placement study in fashion, knitwear, and textiles which can be costly and often located in away from the university in London.”

Discover more about studying Fashion at Northumbria and register for an upcoming Open Day at www.northumbria.ac.uk/openday