Learning pathways
Brand New
Introducing SWIFTS
The SWIFTS (Scottish Women’s Institutes Framework for Textile Skills / Food Technologies) is a friendly, step-by-step learning pathway for members to grow their skills and confidence together, starting at beginner level through to judging level and moving forward at a manageable pace.
Our tutors are members too, and they love sharing what they know – staying true to our ethos of “if you know a good thing, pass it on.” It’s very much about learning with and from each other, exploring your interests, picking up new techniques, building design skills, and having a go at more advanced ideas, while celebrating every step of progress along the way.
SWIFTS Progression Pathway:
Requires some prior knowledge (basic handling of tools). Focuses on skill-building and completing a basic project.
Builds on Beginner skills with intermediate techniques, project work, and expanded design literacy.
Focus on complex techniques, finishing, and optionally design or pattern development.
Not a taught course. Achieved through credit accumulation and practical judging experience.
What can I expect
SWIFTS will take you from absolute beginner to advanced and you could end up being a qualified tutor or judge too. At each level you’ll be guided by expert tutors with friendly in-person workshops and online follow-up sessions to support your learning.
The pathway offers opportunities for everyone – whether you’re a hobbyist, an aspiring professional, or potential judge. You’ll build and demonstrate expertise in techniques taught to SWI’s high standards and gain credits along the way.
Each SWIFTS pathway includes:
- An online introduction to meet your tutor and learn more about the SWIFTS pathway you have chosen.
- Three learning sessions, across a hybrid online & in person format, providing you with all the skills you need to succeed in your chosen SWIFTS pathway.
- An assessment to grade the subject you have been working on as part of your SWIFTS pathway, this will be followed up with feedback and results to give you the support you need to progress to the next level.
- Every course comes with a standardised handbook, created by our skilled SWI member tutors to ensure your learning is clear, centralised, and easy to follow. Inside, you’ll find everything you need – from materials and course structure to learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
FAQs
Scottish Women’s Institutes Framework for Textile Skills OR Scottish Women’s Institutes Food Technologies
• SWI members who want to develop or refresh skills
• Members looking for structured learning with clear outcomes
• Those interested in gaining recognised internal certification
• Members who enjoy learning at their own pace with tutor support
• To support skills development within SWI
• To protect and pass on traditional and creative skills
• To offer clear learning pathways
• To recognise member achievement and tutor expertise
Although some courses and levels are still in development, there are seven core subjects that will be rolled out across the country starting in 2026. These courses will all be available at a Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Judging level.
• Knitting
• Crochet
• Embroidery
• Baking
• Preserves
• Sugarcraft
• Floral Arts
We hope to develop more courses in the future, so if there is something you’d like to see email hello@theswi.org.uk and let us know.
Most SWIFTS courses follow a structured 12-week format:
• Online Introduction Session – 1 hour
• In-Person Session 1 – 4 hours
• Online Q&A / Tutor Support Session – 1 hour
• In-Person Session 2 – 4 hours
• Final Individual Assessment & Feedback
Between sessions, members complete independent practice with tutor guidance throughout.
Please note: Some subjects may vary slightly – this will be noted at the time of booking.
One level-appropriate assessment* designed to match the skills you’ve learned during the course will be marked using the new SWIFTS credit system:
• Distinction: 90–100
• Pass: 60–89
• Fail: 0–59
Feedback provided to everyone by your tutor and SWIFTS certificate awarded on completion.
*A limited number of assessment-only places will be available on each SWIFTS course for members who already know the skills but want formal recognition.
Per full SWIFTS course:
• Members: £95
• Non-members: £130
Pricing has been set to balance high-quality, structured learning with accessibility. It covers tutor support, assessment, and certification, while keeping the course affordable for members.
A limited number of assessment-only places are available on SWIFTS courses:
• £20 – One assessment-only place at any level, including access to the course handbook to understand learning outcomes & assessment criteria.
• £30 – Two assessment-only places at Beginner & Intermediate level, fast-tracking to Advanced. (includes access to course handbooks for both levels)
Part-payment plans will be available.
Please note: As this is a new programme in its first year, prices may be reviewed to make sure the offering continues to be the best it can be.
We are continuously recruiting tutors. Tutors should be experienced and passionate members wishing to:
• Share their skills
• Support structured learning
• Help preserve traditional crafts
Full course handbooks and assessment guidance are provided. If you wish to learn more about becoming a SWIFTS tutor, email beth.spencer@theswi.org.uk
No, all existing (old-style) Judges’ qualifications will continue to be honoured.
If you hold older proficiency certificates and would like to become a Judge through the SWIFTS pathway, please refer to the ‘Become a Judge‘ section above for guidance on next steps.
Available courses
More details coming soon
SWIFTS: Expression of Interest
Please complete this form to let us know of your interest in our currently available SWIFTS Programmes.
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Become a member
Join a vibrant community where you can connect with like-minded women, learn new skills and socialise. Many members say their life has been enhanced with lifelong learning, fun, and the friendships they have made along the way.
