Dwijendra Kumar
Pic Courtesy: SERA
Fashion Technology Professionals or Garment Manufacturing Technologists chalk out production strategy in respect of a particular order relating to manufacturing of garments. The demand for the same could be either from domestic or exports market.
Formulating his/her strategy, he /she takes into account existing and required manpower and machines and use of quality yet economic fabrics, trims and accessories. S/he takes care of proper attachment of tags and brand labels as well as pressing and packing of end products.
In other words, fashion technologists are well aware of know-how relating to all technological processes associated with production of garments — from design to finished products.
Roles and repsonsiblities:
1. Sourcing ideal fibres and fabrics for the apparels to be manufactured.2. Sourcing good accessories for the garments at production stage.3. Supervising various processes involved in weaving, dyeing, printing and giving final touches to the fabric.4.Coordinating with design team to translate their ideas into finished products taking into consideration all production processes involved.5. Ensuring quality control in respect of colour fastness, strechability and durability of the garments6. Coordinating with Marketing Team to ensure the production cost per assignment remains as per cost estimates.7. Handling queries with regard to the products received from all concerned including end-consumers.8. Undertaking research for innovations in production methods and sourcing and manufacturing quality fabrics and accessories.
Courses offered: A number of Institutes imparting training in fashion education provide Certificate, Diploma, bachelor and post-graduate degrees in the field. Duration of the such courses varies from one-year to four years. Minimum qualification being one should ve cleared class 12 exams. While some institutes conduct entrance tests, others offer direct admission.
National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India offers 4-year Bachelor in Fashion Technology programme at its New Delhi Campus. The course is aimed at moulding its student to be qualified for diverse work profiles available in the apparel-manufacturing sector. It familiarises them with different essential streams including apparel manufacturing techonogy, information technology, quality management, artificial intelligence etc. Students are also introduced to fundamentals governing aesthetic and design elements and the fundamentals of management. They also gain knowledge about raw material including fabrics and trim and of machnines involved in the manufacturing of apparel.
Those pursuing the course also develop understanding of production planning, merchandising, work study and quality control which provide essential operational knowledge reltating to future work profiles.
NIFT also offers post graduate programmes apltly named Master of Fashion Technology. The course aims at inculcating skill relating to usage of new age software tools pertaining to managing information and data that enable the students to delve into researching of relevant areas. Production and demand planning skills, technology and data management skills are honed during the programme. Additionally inputs of entrepreneurship and developing of business plans are provided.
The programme requires the student to undertake a thesis in the field of their choice to research and derive solutions by way of collaborating with domestic and international companies.
Government College of Engineering and Textile Technology, Berhampore, West Bengal too offers undergraduate course (B.Tech in Textile Technology) since 1958. The concerned department is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The institute provides excellent education in textile engineering and technology by building strong teaching and research environment for producing complete professionals.
Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology, Punjab Government, Mohali, too offers two years course in Garment Manufacturing Technology. The basic objective of this program is to enhance the students’ perception of the commercial environment and matching it with professional understanding of manufacturing technology, marketing and management principles related to the Garment industry.
There are many other institutes offering courses in Fashion Design Technology, Apparel Manufacturing Technology and Textile Garment Testing and Quality Control.
Fashion TechnologistProduct Development ManagerProduction PlannerProduction ControllerMerchandiserQuality ControllerQuality Assurance ProfessionalConsultant
- Skills required: Though the courses provide training in various process involved in manufacturing of apparels, certain basic skills are required to make a great career in field which include Creativity, Good Communication skills, Keen Observation and analytical aptitude, knowledge of latest trend in Fashion
