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Kurt Geiger scheme helps young people into fashion

Jess Warren & Gem O'Reilly
BBC News
BBC Jennifer Peters, Bill Opare and Nylah James hold mood boards they created during the academy programmeBBC
The training programme is for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

A Kurt Geiger training programme for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds has been praised for putting the focus on "talent and passion".

Earlier this week, 33 students graduated from the Business by Design Academy, a funded career programme by Kurt Geiger's Kindness Foundation, and some have landed full-time roles at the British luxury footwear brand.

Student Bill Opare, 20, from north London, said the scheme focused on the value of the individual, rather than who they know, within a competitive industry.

He hopes to launch an athleisure brand with the help of a grant from the academy.

Kurt Geiger Two women work on wooden foot shapes as they learn about shoemakingKurt Geiger
During the programme, the students were taught about shoemaking

"It's been a lifelong dream at this point," he said. "I'm just finally put my plan into execution. I don't want to say too much, but I hopefully have big things coming soon."

The academy launched in January 2024 and has trained two cohorts of young people living in London. It is now opening the scheme nationwide digitally.

Eligibility includes people who are young carers, those whose parents didn't go to university, those whose household incomes are less than £25,000, refugees and those with disabilities.

Kurt Geiger A woman in a cream jacket holds a cream handbag with a flower on the side.Kurt Geiger
The programme, which is free, lasts for seven months and covers multiple departments

Jennifer Peters, 21, from south London, was awarded an apprenticeship in the brand's buying department, following her graduation from the programme.

"It's been really nice to connect with other creative people," she said.

'Background, knowledge and skills'

According to the Office for National Statistics, in February 2025 the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training was recorded as having risen by 100,000 over the past 12 months, reaching an 11-year high.

Research from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre found that 16% of workers come from working-class backgrounds in the UK's creative industries.

Sophia Johnson, head of the academy, said: "We break down the barriers by making it free.

"We pay for the travel, we pay for the lunches, we've done everything we possibly can to meet the young person at the place of their need."

Bill, Nylah and Jennifer looking at the moodboards they created.
Bill, Nylah and Jennifer all have plans to continue working in the fashion industry

Nylah James, 19, from north London, said: "Having a mentor that actually works within the company is really good because you get to go to her to ask her anything.

"It's important because it is quite a demanding industry and there's lots of competition."

She is now due to complete an internship with the brand.

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