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The textile industry has a long-standing history of growth dating back to ancient times. This evolution has given rise to various ancillary industries associated with garment production. With the introduction of new materials in the textile sector, a multitude of ancillary businesses and employment opportunities have followed suit. Today, clothing not only serves as a basic necessity but also embodies symbols of fashion and status, reflecting the influence of advancements in science and technology on the industry.
The remarkable growth of information technology, electronics, and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology have all played significant roles in shaping the textile sector. This has led to a shift in the demand for clothing, with designs tailored to specific professional needs. Specialized attire is now a requirement in sectors like healthcare and industry, and the market has adapted accordingly.
Following agriculture, textiles stand as India's second-largest source of employment. It is estimated that approximately 3.54 crore individuals are directly or indirectly engaged in the textile industry across the country.

Key components of the textile industry are:
The essential elements of the textile industry encompass the fundamental stages from the procurement of raw materials to the ultimate product's sale, which can be summarized as follows:
Sourcing Raw Materials: This stage involves the acquisition and storage of raw materials, which can include cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
1.    Spinning: Here, raw materials are transformed into yarn.
2.    Weaving: Yarn is processed to create fabrics.
3.    Finishing: Fabrics undergo various finishing treatments, including bleaching, dyeing, and printing.
4.    Cutting and Sewing: Fabrics are cut and assembled into garments.
5.    Wholesale and Retail: This constitutes the supply chain that leads to the distribution of finished products to consumers.

🥋🥋 Career Opportunities in the Garment Industry:
Below are some of the significant job positions within each of the sectors mentioned above.
Textile Designer: A textile designer is tasked with the creative process of conceiving and crafting innovative textile designs and patterns. They have the opportunity to work in diverse settings, including fashion design studios, manufacturing companies, and retail establishments.
Textile Technologist: The textile technologist plays a crucial role in assessing and appraising various attributes, such as the durability of clothing.
Textile Engineer: A textile engineer is responsible for the innovation and development of fresh textile production processes and machinery.
Quality Control Inspector: The Quality Control Inspector is entrusted with the important duty of ensuring that the stringent quality standards are consistently met.
Textile Procurement Specialist: A Textile Procurement Specialist is in charge of sourcing and acquiring fabrics for companies or retail outlets.
Textile Production Manager: The Textile Production Manager supervises textile manufacturing operations, with a key focus on scheduling, organizing production, and efficiently managing budgets and resources.
Supply Chain Manager: In the textile industry, the Supply Chain Manager oversees the entire process of material and product flow, from raw material storage to final product delivery.
Textile Sales Manager: The primary responsibility of the Textile Sales Manager is to handle product sales and distribution.

🥋🥋HOW ABOUT THE STUDY?
The garment industry offers excellent job prospects throughout the year. There's a wide array of career paths, including designing, pattern making, production, quality control, and more, each with its specific qualifications.
In our country, numerous courses are available that can prepare you for a successful career in the textile sector. Since the prerequisites vary for each profession, it's crucial to choose a field of study that aligns with your interests. It's worth noting that there are opportunities in this field for individuals with general management and mechanical engineering degrees or diplomas, as well as those with skills not specific to the textile sector.
For those pursuing textile-specific courses, it's advisable to secure internships in textile institutions during their studies. Additionally, participating in seminars, exhibitions, and other textile-related events is essential. Engaging in such activities not only enhances one's knowledge but also adds value to their resume, making them more attractive to potential employers.
Where You Can Pursue Your Studies:

1.National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT):
   NIFT is a renowned institution for fashion and textile design education in India. They offer various courses related to textile design, including design and marketing.

2.National Institute of Design (NID):
   NID is among the top educational and research institutes for industrial and textile design. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. NID provides a four-year undergraduate program, master's degree, and even a PhD in textile design.

3.Indian Institute of Technology (IITs):
   India's premier engineering and technology institutes, the IITs, also offer courses related to the textile sector, focusing on technical expertise in textiles.

4.Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala (IFTK):
   IFTK in Kundara, Kollam, is a government institution in Kerala established in technical collaboration with NIFT. They offer a 4-year Professional Bachelor of Design (B.Des) program in fashion design. IFTK is affiliated with the University of Kerala and recognized by AICTE, New Delhi.

5.NIFT Kannur Campus:
   The NIFT campus in Kannur, Kerala, is an excellent option for studying fashion technology and related fields in Kerala.

6.Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Thottada, Kannur:
   IIHT offers a three-year diploma course in handloom and textile technology. Out of 40 seats, 30 are reserved for Kerala residents. There are also seats allocated for those in the weaving category and students from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry. Applicants must have completed class 10 and be between 15 and 23 years old. Job opportunities after this program include roles like quality inspector and supervisor in weaving and dyeing departments.

Additional Courses Offered by IIHT:

1.Clothing and Fashion Technology:
This is a one-year program aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for self-entrepreneurship in the garment industry and preparing them for supervisory roles.

2.Computer-Aided Fashion Designing/Computer-Aided Textile Designing:
This three-month course provides expert training in using software to create clothing designs that align with ever-evolving fashion trends.

3.Value Addition Techniques and Fashion Clothing:
In this three-month course, students receive training in utilizing value-added technologies like embroidery, mirrorwork, and fabric painting in the fashion apparel industry. It's particularly beneficial for those interested in self-employment.

4.Interior Design and Home Furnishing:
With significant potential for self-employment, this three-month program allows students to explore advanced technologies in interior design and home furnishing.

5.Pattern Making and Garment Construction:
This three-month training program focuses on enhancing the skills of local tailors through the application of advanced technology.
These courses at IIHT provide a diverse range of skills and knowledge, catering to various aspects of the textile and fashion industry, from design and technology to entrepreneurship and craftsmanship.
For information: www.iihtkannur.ac.in email: i[email protected] phone: 0497 2835390, 0497 2739322

Various Educational Institutions Across India:
In India, there are numerous educational institutions where you can pursue courses related to the garment and textile industry. Some notable institutions include:

1.Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD)
2.Pearl Academy
3.Symbiosis Institute of Design
4.Kamala Nehru Polytechnic
5.Indian School of Design and Innovation
6.Sri Krishna College of Arts and Science
7.JD Institute of Fashion Technology
8.SNDT Women's University
9.Weavers Studio Centre for the Arts
10.Indian Institute of Crafts and Design
11.National Institute of Fashion and Textile Technology (NIFT)
12.Symbiosis School of Textile and Fashion
13.Academy of Fashion Studies (AFS)
14.National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER)
15.National Institute of Textile Technology (NITT)
16.Institute of Apparel Management (IAM)
17.Kalinga Institute of Fashion Technology (KIFT)

Within Kerala, there are also several private institutes offering courses related to the garment sector. It's essential for prospective students to research the employment outcomes of individuals who have previously studied at these institutions. Keep in mind that the quality of the institution where you choose to study significantly impacts your future prospects in the textile sector, as well as in any field.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team