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IFAI partners TMC to offer apparel stitching training

16 Oct '14
2 min read

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) said it will partner The Makers Coalition (TMC) on a nationwide workforce development initiative.

TMC is a coalition of business, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and service providers coming together to build a trained cut and sew industry in America.

TMC was started with an intention to provide sewing machine operator training and fill unmet needs in the local manufacturing community.

TMC says it is committed to revitalizing the sewing heritage of America by finding and training the next generation of skilled workers to meet future manufacturing demand for American-made products.

The first chapter is in Minneapolis and plans to recreate the model across the country through partnering with educators and human resource organizations.

Towards that end, a curriculum was developed and offered at Dunwoody College of Technology, a Minneapolis-based technical school.

“There is an on-shoring trend in the United States which is creating a demand for skilled machine operators,” said Mary Hennessy, CEO of IFAI.

He added, “At the same time, there is a shortage of people who have been steered into manufacturing careers and trained to operate equipment.

“As a local group of manufacturers, TMC has had phenomenal success and wants to play a role in helping other communities address this important issue.”

"Our goal has always been to create a national model that other cities could replicate in order to fill these jobs with the skill that the industry is in need of filling,” said Jen Guarino, founder of TMC.

“This partnership will give us access to their considerable industry experience and outreach to achieve that goal and we are excited about all the possibilities," he informed.

Both IFAI and TMC see opportunities to duplicate the model, and together they have the expertise and resources to help meet the demand for skilled labor in the sewing industry.

TMC will continue to exist as a foundation with its mission of developing curriculum and coordinating with training institutions, workforce development agencies and economic development organizations.

IFAI will create a new division to be called the Makers Division, and will seek interested companies to support the training programs with industry expertise, trainers, apprenticeships and job placement. (AR)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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