MINOT, N.D. — July 17, 2024 — The FabricLink Network (FLN) announced the launch of TheTextileGateway.org to help reenergize the textile industry. The website connects the textile industry to students from elementary school to universities. A challenge is that most young students aren’t thinking about textile careers, in part because they lack sufficient education about the opportunities.
“The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and inspire students at all levels about textiles; promote career paths in the industry; and, serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” explained Tom Swantko, director of the Gateway program. “The Gateway is vitally needed to help develop the next generation of leaders, innovators and skilled workforce.”
Outreach to elementary and high school students is a primary focus. The Gateway provides students in every grade through high school with a wealth of age-appropriate resources designed to engage and inspire. Outreach is also provided to students in colleges and universities. The Gateway aids students by bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications. You’ll find an array of resources, and gain access to industry professionals who share their knowledge and insights through articles, videos and live events.
Students will learn about textile industry workforce development programs. Swantko explains, “We are looking to partner with workforce programs that provide internships, apprenticeship, skills-training programs, or offer scholarships to students. The Gateway is an ideal partner to direct students to these opportunities.“
Steve Schiffman, president and CEO, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), agreed, stating: “We are very excited to partner with the Textile Gateway and support their education and outreach programs. Workforce development in the textile industry is a critical initiative and one that requires collaboration between textile-related trade associations, and other like-minded organizations/partnerships.”
David Parkes, founder and CEO, Concept III Textiles, concurred: “For the Textile/Apparel industries to present mature ideas and innovations in the future, we need TheTextileGateway.org as a platform where high schools, and entry-level college students can have exposure to the many careers and exciting opportunities these industries provide.”
Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculums for middle and high schools often lack resources for textiles. So, little is being done to educate young students about textiles and its many career paths. Swantko added: “We’ve met with administrators involved with FACS/CTE programs, who are excited to hear about what we’re doing and want to know how they can help. There is a real opportunity to promote the textile industry through schools across the USA.”
This is a platform where teachers can interact, share ideas and lesson plans, connect online with the industry, or arrange school visits. 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 students taking textile and clothing classes, by linking education to the textile/apparel business world. This resource has long been needed for our FCSE programs.”
Posted: July 17, 2024
Source: FabricLink Network (FLN) / TheTextileGateway.org (TTG)
