Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1523540
T he Textile Gateway's mission to educate students and promote careers within the textile industry makes this a model part- ner for textile workforce programs. "e Textile Gateway website is ideal to connect interested high schools, trade schools, and other students to textile workforce development programs," explains Tom Swantko, e Textile Gateway (TTG) Director. "We are actively looking to partner with textile programs to guide students to internships, skills training, apprenticeships, and scholarships." Steve Schiffman, President and CEO, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), agrees, and is very excited to partner with e Textile Gateway to support ATA's educational out- reach, designed to reach students at all levels. "Workforce development in the textile industry is a critical initiative, and one that requires collabo- ration between textile-related trade associations, other like-minded organizations and industry partners," notes Schiffman. "e need to educate and train a skilled workforce is a very common challenge for our membership, and that is why we launched ATA's Workforce Development Council. Our Workforce Development Council provides our members with information, re- sources, and solutions while promoting career paths within the textile industry." Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, also expresses support for e Textile Gateway's plan to partner with associ- ations to form stronger workforce programs. "I truly feel there needs to be a consortium of textile associations, coming together to do the needed work. is can't be done with a few. is has to be done with a mighty force of many, committed industry leaders." Andrew Olah, CEO of Olah Inc. and founder of Kingpins (the denim supply chain show), concurs. "I totally believe in what TTG is doing to help students, both in education and place- ment. I feel as many people as possible from our industry (leaders, associations etc.) should join this movement to develop the future leaders of our industry who need help and guidance." Bircher Bruyn adds, "Significant efforts are required in the US tex- tile market to enhance workforce development, including investing in specialized training programs, and modernizing educational cur- riculum. Providing internships to students of local, technical colleges is a great way to bring young men and women into your manufactur- ing facility, introducing them to the textile industry. If possible, be open and flexible with the hours you offer. Reach out to the middle schools in your area and educate 8th graders on the industry, and the possible job opportunities available when they reach an age when they can work in a skilled field." David Parkes, Founder and CEO, Concept III Textiles, is a strong advocate for the textile industry. He has served on many industry panels and is a tireless mentor to students and indus- try colleagues. "For the Textile/ Apparel Industries to present mature ideas and innovations in the future, we need e Textile Gateway to represent the plat- form where Secondary, High School and entry-level College students can have exposure to the many careers and exciting opportunities these Industries provide," Parkes explains. "In their formative years, students need to understand the multitude of careers available domestically and internationally in textiles/apparel. e Textile Gateway, combined with FabricLink, will present research and reference materials, podcasts, manufacturing videos, and access to the stimulating, myriad of careers that can be enjoyed." Dr. Gang Sun, University of California Davis, has been active in education programs for the Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) for almost 30 years, and is the Editor-in-Chief of AATCC's Journal of Research. Sun affirms all the previous thoughts, "I strongly believe there is a need for increased educational and collab- orative efforts from all interested parties and stakeholders, addressing various issues related to sustainabil- ity and the environmental impacts of textile materials, textile produc- tions, and fashion products. e mission of e Textile Gateway serves this need, and can play im- portant roles in the future." Ann Dietchman, Supervisor of Family & Consumer Science Education (FCSE), for North Dakota's Department of CTE (Career and Technical Education), is eager to work with TTG and sums up the program in this way. "The Textile Gateway program brings exciting opportunities for our ND students taking textile and clothing classes, by linking educa- tion to the textile/apparel business world. is resource has long been needed for FCSE programs. North Dakota FCSE looks forward to engaging with the key players in coordinating e Textile Gateway experience with our ND teachers at our annual professional devel- opment conference this August." n THE TEXTILE GATEWAY A New Program is the Ideal Partner for the Workforce. By Kathlyn Swantko. 32 • Textile Insight ~ Summer 2024 textileinsight.com Amy Bircher Bruyn David Parkes Andrew Olah Gang Sun Ann Dietchman Steve Schiffman EDUCATION/CAREERS