Graduate Fashion Week is launching its protégé project. Created in response to the difficult economic climate, Graduate Fashion Week has joined forces with its title sponsor River Island, Mulberry, John Lewis, The Pentland Group, ASOS, Peacocks and British Elle Magazine to launch a campaign that will offer a graduate from one of the GFW 2009 courses, a short term contract to work on a project, after their graduation this summer.
GFW understands the current climate is challenging for graduates to find a job in the long run. It is difficult for many businesses to offer a long term contract to a new recruit – when new energy and creative ideas are actually needed to drive business forward.
Richard Bradbury, CEO of River Island commented: “British trained graduates in the creative sector are respected the world over and hold the most influential positions in companies throughout the globe. However, it is now more difficult than ever for graduates to find work, and with the global recession showing no signs of improvement we wholeheartedly support GFW's Protégé Project initiative. The scheme provides students with a valuable short-term contract, and in turn it provides some of the UK's top brands with young, innovative design talent.”
