Kirklees Employment and Skills Team Celebrates Textile Industry Award Win

Kirklees Council’s Employment and Skills Team is celebrating after being presented with a prestigious 50th Anniversary Award by the Textile Centre of Excellence in recognition of their outstanding contribution to skills development across the region.

The award was presented during the Textile Centre of Excellence’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, recognising the team’s engagement with employers, commitment to inclusive growth and success in connecting local people to meaningful employment opportunities.

Particular recognition was given to Nadine Littlewood, Strategic Partnership Lead for Kirklees Council, for her leadership and impact in delivering manufacturing Skills Bootcamps. These have become a leading example of how localised skills programmes can successfully support businesses and residents across West Yorkshire.

The award reflects the dedication from the employment and skills team, who work closely with residents and employers to break down barriers to employment, develop workforce skills and create pathways into employment.

The team supports residents across Kirklees with employment advice, skills development, and career planning. As well as providing access to opportunities across a range of sectors, including the creative industries and manufacturing, businesses are also supported with recruitment, workforce planning, development and social value initiatives.

Speaking after the event, Nadine Littlewood, Strategic Partnership Lead for Kirklees Council said:

“It was an honour to accept this award on behalf of the wider Employment and Skills Team. The textile industry has deep roots across our communities and continues to play an important role in our local economy. We are incredibly proud to support learners, businesses and employers through initiatives such as Skills Bootcamps and to help create opportunities for people across Kirklees.”

David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place said:

“This award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication and hard work of our Employment and Skills Team and the strong partnerships they have built with employers across the region. Their commitment to championing local talent, supporting businesses and creating opportunities for residents is making a real difference in communities across Kirklees. I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this well-deserved achievement and thank them for their hard work.”

The celebration event brought together employers, learners, apprentices and sector leaders to mark 50 years of the Textile Centre of Excellence and celebrate the innovation, heritage and future of the textile industry.

Kirklees Council’s Employment and Skills Team remains committed to supporting residents and businesses through accessible skills provision, employer engagement and investment in future talent.

Find out more about what the team do and how they could support you: Employment and skills | Kirklees Council