More than 100 apprentices have launched their careers through a long-standing partnership between UCS College Group and luxury British lifestyle brand Mulberry.
UCS College Group and Mulberry are celebrating 20 years of partnership, marking two decades of collaboration to develop the next generation of leather craftspeople and preserve specialist manufacturing skills in Somerset.
Since the launch of the Leather Craftsperson Apprenticeship programme in 2006, more than 100 apprentices have completed their training, gaining industry-recognised qualifications and developing the specialist skills needed to support British luxury manufacturing.
The partnership was established with a shared ambition to create opportunities for local people while safeguarding traditional leatherworking expertise. Over the past 20 years, apprentices have learned skills including leather cutting, stitching, inking, finishing and quality assessment, helping to ensure these techniques continue to be passed on to future generations. 
Today, the programme continues to evolve. Earlier this year, Mulberry welcomed four new Leather Craftsperson apprentices, including, for the first time within the current qualification framework, a placement within the Development Team at The Rookery, offering learners broader experiences across the business.
In 2020, Mulberry also became the lead employer in the development of the Level 2 Leather Craftsperson Standard, helping establish an industry-recognised qualification that is now used more widely across the sector.
Jen Reid, Talent & Development Partner at Mulberry, said: “Mulberry’s apprenticeship journey began in 2006 when we partnered with Bridgwater College, now part of UCS College Group, to create a pathway into leather goods manufacturing for local people. The partnership was built on a shared commitment to preserving traditional craft skills in Somerset while creating meaningful career opportunities.
“One of the greatest rewards is seeing apprentices graduate. When they first join us, they are developing their skills and confidence, and by the time they complete the programme, the transformation can be remarkable. It’s also inspiring to see former apprentices go on to build successful careers across the business.”
One such success story is Katie Trimmings, who completed her apprenticeship in 2023 and now works within Mulberry’s Industrialisation team, helping to train and support future apprentices.
Laira Pearson, Assistant Principal of Apprenticeships at UCS College Group said: “This partnership demonstrates the transformative power of apprenticeships. For 20 years, Mulberry and UCS College Group have worked together to develop talent, create opportunities and preserve specialist skills that are an important part of Somerset’s heritage and economy.
We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, supporting more than 100 apprentices into rewarding careers, and we look forward to continuing to create opportunities for future generations.”
As the partnership enters its third decade, both organisations remain committed to investing in skills, supporting careers and ensuring traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive alongside innovation and new technologies.
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