STUDENT WINS PRESTIGIOUS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION AWARD
Ethan Shackleton, a final-year T Level Fashion & Textiles student at Shipley College, won the Essential Skills Award for Creativity and Innovation at the SkillsHouse Careers & Technical Education (CTE) Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony took place at the University of Bradford on Tuesday 16 June and brought together students, educators and businesses from across the Bradford district to celebrate excellence in education, skills and industry.
Ethan, who previously attended Parkside School in Cullingworth, received the award in recognition of his creativity, technical ability and commitment throughout his studies, as well as his outstanding performance during an industry placement with a freelance costume designer based in Saltaire.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ethan said:
"Winning the award was really exciting because being nominated and actually winning are two completely different things. Two years ago, if you told me I'd be winning an award, completing over 300 hours of industry placement and going on to university, I wouldn't have believed you."
Ethan joined Shipley College to study the newly introduced T Level Fashion & Textiles qualification and has since completed more than 315 hours of industry placement, developing specialist skills in garment construction, embroidery and pattern cutting.
His success has also led to progression onto a four-year Fashion degree at the University of Huddersfield.
Remarkably, Ethan said university was never part of his original plan.
"When I first started, I didn't want to go to university. My tutors encouraged me to aim higher and even convinced me to apply to Central Saint Martins in London. I ended up securing an interview there before deciding that the University of Huddersfield was the right choice for me."
Reflecting on his journey, Ethan added:
"Shipley College has helped me achieve things I never thought were possible. The skills I've developed, the garments I've created and the opportunities I've had have completely exceeded my expectations."
Ethan's tutor, Victoria Burnett, nominated him for the award and praised both his creativity and technical ability.
She said:
"Ethan has an exceptional natural flair for pattern cutting and garment construction. His technical ability is already operating at a level normally associated with university study, and his creativity, commitment and professionalism made him a deserving winner of this award."
Victoria added:
"Ethan consistently demonstrates outstanding creativity and innovation through his practical work and projects. He has developed into a highly skilled and dedicated fashion student who is exceptionally well prepared for university progression."
Alongside his academic success, Ethan has maintained around 98 per cent attendance and perfect punctuality throughout his studies.
He believes commitment has played a significant role in his achievements.
"There's simply too much to miss. Every lesson builds on the last one and being present has played a huge part in my success."
A spokesperson for Shipley College said:
"Ethan's achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects not only his natural talent and creativity, but also his dedication, hard work and willingness to challenge himself.
"His journey from a student who had no intention of going to university to an award-winning learner progressing to a degree course is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when talent is matched with opportunity, support and determination.
"T Levels are designed to combine classroom learning with meaningful industry experience, and Ethan's success demonstrates the opportunities available to students who fully embrace those experiences.
"We are incredibly proud of Ethan's achievements and look forward to seeing him continue to excel as he progresses to university and pursues a career within the fashion industry."
Students interested in Fashion & Textiles, Art & Design and other creative courses at Shipley College are encouraged to apply online now to secure a guaranteed offer ahead of GCSE Results Day.
Shipley College's August Enrolment Days take place on 20 and 21 August, when the College expects a large influx of students looking to secure places on creative courses for September 2026.