What We Offer
Thanks to the support of The Broadweavers & Clothiers Guild, the programme is fully funded — making high-quality creative opportunities accessible to all young people across Coventry and Warwickshire.
What Sets Us Apart
Trailblazers is a high-quality, industry-led creative programme combining hands-on textile skills with real-world insight from professionals, Loughborough University’s Fashion & Textiles department and experienced teachers delivering the current syllabus. Students explore multiple creative pathways, build confidence and future-focused skills, culminating in a Sewing Bee-style challenge. Fully funded, it offers an inspiring opportunity for young people across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Creative Exploration: Illustration & Weaving
Participants begin their journey by exploring multiple creative pathways, including fashion illustration and textile weaving. This dual approach allows every young person to discover where their strengths and interests lie — whether that’s expressive drawing or the hands-on physicality of working with fabric and materials.
By encouraging experimentation and open thinking, this element helps students step outside their comfort zone, try new techniques and view creativity from different perspectives, building confidence and creative independence.
Industry Insight & Professional Practice
Trailblazers connects students directly with industry professionals, including guest speakers from Loughborough and Coventry University’s Fashion & Textiles department, working designers, industry professionals.
These sessions are delivered in a professional, real-world format, giving students a true insight into the creative industries. Participants are encouraged to research speakers, prepare questions and engage in Q&A discussions, developing communication skills and confidence in professional settings.
This experience helps young people see clear pathways into creative careers and understand what it takes to succeed.
Creative AI: Using Technology as a Tool
Students are introduced to AI as a creative tool, learning how it can support idea generation, research and design development — while understanding the importance of originality and human creativity.
This session empowers participants to use technology responsibly and creatively, seeing AI as a way to enhance their ideas rather than replace them, preparing them for the future of the creative industries.
The Trailblazers Sewing Bee Challenge
The programme culminates in an exciting Sewing Bee-style challenge, led by a guest from the Great British Sewing Bee and supported by the Textile Skills Centre as a guest judge.
Students take part in a timed creative challenge, designing and making a finished piece within a set timeframe. Their work is then presented and judged, giving them a taste of real industry pressure, problem-solving and presentation.
This high-energy finale is fun, motivating and unforgettable, allowing students to showcase everything they have learned and celebrate their achievements.
Let’s Work Together
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