Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
19th October 2009
£50,000 Invested In Harris Tweed As Training Gets Underway
15 mill workers will be benefitting from bespoke training as the Harris Tweed Skills & Training Programme gets underway. Project managers, Upper Quartile, have worked with the mills to identify suitable training opportunities across key areas of production and management. The first trainees will be undertaking courses at Huddersfield Textiles Centre of Excellence and at Lews Castle College.
In a further part of the training programme, Cardonald College is now undertaking the development of a training and accreditation scheme for Harris Tweed weavers. Experienced weavers are currently being recruited to work with Cardonald College to accredit existing skill levels and provide ongoing training to the workforce.
Maggie Marr, Project Manager, explains “this is the first phase of implementing training provision for the Harris Tweed industry, and we are delighted to be working closely with the mills and weavers on the project. The training courses, which start next month, will benefit the industry and allows skills to be passed across the workforce.”
The project has received funding from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Social Fund. Council Leader, and Chair of the Harris Tweed Industry Liaison Group, Angus Campbell, said “I am pleased with the progress being made on this project. Over £50,000 will be invested in Harris Tweed training over the next few months alone. The training should make a real difference to the industry in the longer term, and is vital in ensuring that skills are recognized and passed on.”
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
