West Yorkshire has long been the beating heart of the UK’s textile industry. A sector built on craftsmanship, innovation and world‑class manufacturing. At West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’re committed to ensuring that this legacy continues to thrive. We will do this by equipping West Yorkshire’s workforce and employers with the skills needed to grow, compete and innovate.
Our fully funded skills training programme is designed with purpose. Every course is shaped using real labour market insight and intelligence from local employers and councils. This will ensure the training we offer directly meets the needs of our region’s businesses and workforce. For employers, this means access to a workforce equipped with relevant, up-to-date skills. For individuals, it means gaining practical expertise that can open doors to new opportunities and career progression.
One business embracing this opportunity is AW Hainsworth & Sons Ltd., a renowned textile manufacturer based in Pudsey. Known globally for producing durable wool fabrics such as melton and doeskin, AW Hainsworth has supplied the British Army for generations. This includes the iconic scarlet cloth worn by the Grenadier Guards.
Despite its rich heritage AW Hainsworth is firmly focused on the future. And that’s where our Skills Bootcamps come in.
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Angela Augusto, Technical and Innovation Manager at AW Hainsworth, recently completed our Skills Bootcamp in textile manufacturing. For Angela, the experience was transformative.
The programme enabled her to visit a wide range of Yorkshire mills. Here she gained first‑hand insight into their operations, equipment and evolving practices. From sustainability initiatives to process optimisation, Angela was able to explore how different manufacturers are adapting to industry challenges and opportunities.
This exposure gave her a clearer understanding of the full end‑to‑end manufacturing landscape and where innovation can have the greatest impact. For AW Hainsworth, this means fresh ideas, improved efficiency and a stronger competitive edge.
Stories like Angela’s highlight the real value of our Skills Bootcamps. They can empower your employees to grow professionally while helping your business strengthen its workforce, adopt new technologies and future‑proof their operations.
By investing in skills today, we’re supporting the long‑term success of West Yorkshire’s industries - from textiles to tech and beyond.
Whether you're looking to progress your career or strengthen your workforce, our free training programmes are here to help.
