SFES Project threads perfect experience for GCU students
A group of GCU students have become 'Sustainability Champions' thanks to an innovative project involving five universities across Europe.
Three years ago, Glasgow Caledonian University teamed up with Universidade da Madeira, Universitat Politècnica de València, Universidad Villanueva (Madrid) and EDHEC Business School (Nice) to help students find out more about sustainable fashion, while also developing a range of employability skills.
The Erasmus + Project, also known as SFES (Sustainable Fashion and Employability Skills), involved students and university staff taking part in three different workshops where they got the chance to learn about different sustainable practices used by companies in Scotland, Madeira and, most recently, Madrid.
The key objective of the project is to help inspire change across society, particularly within the fashion sector, which is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions.
Last month’s workshop in Spain’s capital city saw the project’s conclusion at the Museo del Traje, with the impressive #SlowFashionFastChange event. Fashion experts, academics and students from around the world gathered to discuss the changes necessary to help make the future of fashion both successful and sustainable. The SFES White Paper, developed by staff and students involved in the project, was also revealed to help make practical learning and ideas from the exciting initiative become reality.
Five GCU students found themselves at the heart of the project, and we caught up with them to gather their reflections at the end of what has been an incredible journey:
What were your first thoughts when you heard about the project, and why did you want to get involved?
Kirsty Shearer – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“I really didn’t have any idea how big the project would be when I applied, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve been volunteering with Fashion Revolution and Sustainable Fashion Scotland already as I’m super interested in sustainable fashion, and so I thought SFES would be a way to learn new things that I wouldn’t do with them. Up until that point, all of my sustainable fashion work had been based solely in Scotland so I also thought collaborating with other universities across the EU sounded really interesting.”
Viktor Suranyi – BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design
“I saw the advertising email and I needed to ask my sister, who is a bit more involved and knowledgeable regarding fashion, to help me write my application. From what I saw in the email and from what she told me, it looked interesting and important enough to get involved with.
“When I applied for my current degree, I told myself that I would make an effort to be more involved in extracurricular activities than I was in my previous degree. The pandemic put a pause on this, so I was motivated to find something when things started to return to normal. I’d already participated in enough projects relating to my degree, so I wanted to broaden my horizons a little more, and when I saw the email that the project was open for game designers, I didn’t hesitate to go for it.”
Nicole Cunningham - BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
"When applying to become a sustainability champion, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. What I did know is that I was interested in fashion and sustainability, and wanted some experience that combined both. I was going into my third year at uni, and because of covid it was really hard to find any work experience, never mind experience related to sustainability. So when this opportunity came along, I really really wanted it as it was exactly what I was looking for."
Roksana Guzy – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“My first thought about the project was that it would be an extraordinary opportunity to gain new experiences and connections, combined with travel and integration with students from several universities.
“I expected to be able to gain knowledge of sustainable practices within the fashion industry, which might be particularly useful when running my own business. I am glad that all my expectations have been met.”
Bethany Wade – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“I was keen to learn more outside of my course content to improve my knowledge of the fashion industry, as well as sustainability, so this seemed like an interesting opportunity.”
What would you say is your favourite moment from the project?
Kirsty Shearer – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“It’s so hard to pick just one, but if I have to choose, it would probably be the Ceilidh back in the first workshop here in Scotland. We had only just met but everyone got so involved and it was amazing to share something with them from our culture, it was a real team bonding moment.
“I also loved hearing from all of the speakers, in particular Kavita Parmar in Madrid, and witnessing their passion for what they are doing. I’ve found it all super inspiring.”
Viktor Suranyi – BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design
“This is a hard pick. The trips were filled with great moments, and we visited so many places. When it comes to the nature of the project, I was most amazed by the rebuilding and structure of Harris Tweed. I passed by brand stores for years without ever entering or giving them a thought, unaware of what is going on behind them and how important the work is that they are doing there. Following the trip, I have been telling anyone that will listen the Harris Tweed story!
“As a personal experience, I probably enjoyed the ferry ride from Stornoway to Ullapool the most. We had surprisingly great weather, which was perfect for dolphin watching with a coffee in hand on the top deck.”
Nicole Cunningham - BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
"My favourite moment from the project has to be the conference, just getting to see our years of hard work come together in such a professional setting is something I had never experienced before. It was a huge operation, and everyone played an equally important part on the day in making sure it ran smoothly, which is similar to how things had operated the past 3 years. It was the perfect conclusion to a valuable and important project."
Roksana Guzy – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“My favourite part of the project was Kavita Parmar's workshops in Madrid. It was a privilege to meet Kavita, who is the founder and creative director of the IOU Projects and a great inspiration for anyone who wishes to run a sustainable and socially responsible business. Kavita demonstrated her inspiring view on sustainability based on dialogue and communication, rather than the product itself.
“During the pattern-cutting workshop, I had a chance to create my piece from fabric waste, sharing ideas and inspirations with my group and having an innovative and enjoyable experience.”
Bethany Wade – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“The certificate presentation at the conference on the final day was my favourite moment. I didn’t expect it to be so emotional and heartwarming. We’ve all been on a big journey over the past 3 years and came out better for it intact with ample knowledge on sustainable fashion.”
How will the overall experience of the project benefit you in your future career?
Kirsty Shearer – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“Before SFES, I knew I wanted to work in sustainable fashion, but I had no idea what jobs were actually out there. SFES has introduced me to so many different avenues, as well as giving me skills that might be needed for jobs in the future.
“I also believe that all of the skills I have learned through SFES will benefit me in so many different career paths. Communication is one of the most transferable skills and has been one of the most noticeable improvements for myself in terms of working with people from different backgrounds and working in new teams every day under strict time constraints. I also feel a lot more comfortable with public speaking and presenting.”
Viktor Suranyi – BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design
“While the nature of the project may not look directly transferable to my career goals, there are valuable skills that I improved during the trips - such as versatile communication, active listening, and presenting. I already found and applied for game design roles for fashion game projects, where I (hopefully) immediately stand out due to my participation in this project.”
Nicole Cunningham - BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
"Prior to even Madeira, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the whole project. The first year was a lot of small assignments and tasks all around sustainability and fashion. That first part just got me thinking more about fashion sustainability, and learning more about it through the research tasks. Then in Madeira the employability skills side of things was more apparent. We were given a lot of tasks that tested our teamwork, communication and time management skills, which are all areas which are important for employability.
"This project has pushed me out of my comfort zone multiple times, allowing me to grow, and enhance key skills which are vital for the workplace."
Roksana Guzy – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“Undoubtedly, the project has had a highly beneficial impact on my approach to sustainability and my future career. I have improved my communication and team-working skills, while also gaining knowledge across a wide variation of different areas. These include design manufacturing and technology, all the way through to ethical practices and supply chain management.
“I also met many inspiring people who shared their experiences and advice, which will certainly impact my future professional and personal decisions.”
Bethany Wade – BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding
“I feel like the skills developed through SFES are transferable throughout my whole career. From public speaking to team work across different cultures and age ranges, I feel I’m well equipped to enter the real working world!”
You can find out more about the SFES Project on their dedicated website here, and you can also catch up on the final workshop in Madrid here
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter