High demand for textile training

Textile Training Centre increases profits

by Hiran H. Senewiratne

The Textile Training and Services Centre (TT&SC) functioning under the Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion recorded a profit of Rs. 10.5 million compared to Rs 8.8 million which was a 20 per cent increase.

TT&SC provides training and testing to the Textile and Garment Industry and recorded a steady growth in the first half of 2005 in both training and testing services, Director D.P. Gunawardana said that the state-of-the-art laboratory brings around 65 per cent of the total income and the balance is from the training activities.

The Government's decision to procure only locally manufactured textiles to the Armed Forces, Police and the Education Department has increased the activity of the Centre as they were involved in monitoring and testing the quality of the products, he said.

Gunawardena said that testing provided to the garment industry especially for export has also shown a remarkable improvement in the year 2005.

The laboratory is accredited with more than 10 international retailers such as Liz Claborne, Next, Mother Care, Tesco, Sainsbury and intends to obtain accreditation from Victoria's Secret, USA.

The TT&SC was able to obtain the franchise to run competency courses in Colour Fastness testing from the Society of Dyers and Colourists UK.

This has provided an opportunity for local personnel to obtain an international qualification by following the course organised by the TT&SC.

The Centre has also started working jointly with leading private sector organisations in providing technical services and testing. The emergence of the quota free era has resulted in an increase in training, as the garment industry needs a professional approach to face competition, he said.

The demand for TT&SC training, supervisory management, quality management systems are increasing and many leading companies are patronising the services of the Centre.

The TT&SC also commenced a Diploma in Colouring and Finishing, a weekend programme providing an opportunity for those employed in the industry to obtain a recognised qualification. At present two programmes are being conducted and patronised by the industry, he said.

The Institute trains around 100 persons for a year through their short-term and long-term programs and annually around 30 Diploma holders specialised in Textile/Chemical Processing pass out from the Centre. Over 90 per cent of students completing courses at the TT&SC obtained immediate employment, he said.