Allied Textiles

Story as covered in the local press and college website.

The successful qualification of the first apprentice for 10 years at a Derbyshire Textile Business has marked an important milestone for the Company.

Mayfield Yarns employs 85 people at it's mill near Ashbourne - processing textiles for specialised end uses including the production of airbags for the automotive industry.

Having invested heavily in the plant and machinery over recent years. the Company has been recruiting new staff and is now hoping to expand it's apprenticeship and work based training programme.

Local worker Daniel Garside (21) has recently completed a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering with Derby College - the first apprentice at the Company for 10 years - and his employers hope that his success will be emulated by more employees.

Mayfield Yarns Engineering Manager Colin Fearn explained: "Like many other industries we have an ageing skilled workforce. Apprenticeships and work based training are crucial going forward in replacing these skills."

Daniel, who joined Mayfield Yarns from school said: "It was really useful going to College as it taught me practical skills as well as the theory which I was then able to use on the job."

Mayfield Yarns is part of Allied Textiles which has eight different businesses employing more than 300 people across the UK and in Canada.