A center for excellence has been set up in Tirupur to take up research and training in apparel production. The center will be involved in research in apparel manufacturing technology and processes, conducting short-term management development programs, supervising development programs for those employed in apparel units. It has the capacity to train about 30 members for a course and accommodate 100 candidates at a time. The aim is to give candidates the experience and exposure to best practices and skills in the industry.

The facility has machinery for the entire apparel production process, including automatic cutting machines, sewing machines, embroidery machines, and finishing equipment. There is machinery for made-ups and home furnishings and trainings will be conducted for personnel working in these units too.

It will function on a paid model, with industries paying for the training and courses will be conduct by the center’s own resource personnel. The center has been set up by the Apparel, Made-ups, and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council.

So far some 6.5 lakh candidates have been trained across the country, covering jobs such as tailoring, ironing and cutting. The plan is to train another eight lakh workers this year. Another such center will be opened in New Delhi. While the one at Tirupur is mainly for knitted products, the one in New Delhi will be for woven products.