“SVQ Level 2”
The Harris Tweed industry will benefit from a new intake of weavers following the completion of a 12 week full time weaving course in Stornoway. Ten students completed the course, run by Cardonald College, and have achieved a formal qualification, SVQ Manufacturing Textiles Level 1, adapted for the Harris Tweed industry.
The trainees are now in the process of setting up looms and loomsheds and, once working as weavers, will be supported by the mills and Cardonald to build up the required experience of weaving tweeds to meet the requirements of SVQ Level 2 over the coming months.
“European Social Fund”
Sam Goates, Cardonald College, commented, “We have been delighted with the success of the course and the progress and achievements of the students. The experience has been extremely positive for all involved. The course benefited particularly from the trainers John Chisholm and Angus Morrison, both Harris Tweed weavers, who passed on their skills and enthusiasm for the industry on to the students, and also to the involvement of Mal Macleod and John Chisholm to help develop a relevant qualification.”
Iain Angus Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Harris Tweed Hebrides, has also welcomed the new entrants into the industry, “I am delighted to see new people coming into the industry. We are having a good season and I am confident that the new weavers will have an encouraging start to their weaving career.”
Councillor Angus Campbell said, “I would like to pass on my congratulations to the trainees, who have undertaken a demanding learning experience over the past three months. Thanks are also due to the industry for its support, in particular the three Harris Tweed mills who provided access to equipment, yarn, and expertise.”
The training course was supported through funding from Skills Development Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Social Fund.
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