Northumbria fashion student secures bursary for London internships
Fashion student Harry Russell from Northumbria University was one of ten students in the UK to receive financial support and mentoring through the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme.
The bursary helped Russell, 21, from Sunderland, to secure internships in London with clothing brands Tondolo and Treddenick during his placement year.
The bursary is funded by the Drapers’ Company and delivered in partnership with the UK Fashion and Textile Association, providing support for fashion and textile students to access quality internships.
Russell 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 live setting.
“I know I can make things efficiently and understand all elements of the design process, through to finishing a product.”
Russell 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, Russell gained hands-on experience in pre-production sample work for menswear and womenswear, demonstrating technical skills.
He said: ‘‘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.
“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.”
Emma Jane Goldsmith, assistant professor in fashion and employability lead for the subject at Northumbria University, recommended Russell for the bursary.
Goldsmith said: “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.”
Goldsmith added: “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.”
