The Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), formed in 1991 as a Society under the Societies Act, was recognized by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, as a Nodal Agency in 2010 to implement the Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS). Over the past decade, ATDC has made a substantial impact by training more than 313,500 candidates under the ISDS.
The organization actively engages in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from numerous Central and State Government agencies across 22 states, including partnerships with State Skill Missions, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSD&E). With a Pan-India presence encompassing around 85 centers, ATDC has achieved a commendable placement rate, with nearly 78% of its trainees securing wage employment.
During an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Global Textile Sustainability Summit, organized by ASSOCHAM, Dr. Roopali Shukla, Director of ATDC, articulates the organization’s fundamental mission and mandate. She also shares valuable insights into how ATDC is driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing skills, fostering employment, and promoting sustainability in the apparel sector.
Dr. Shukla also discusses ATDC’s proactive approach to overcoming the challenges of skill development and employment in the industry and emphasized India’s growing prominence in the global apparel market. The interview offers a comprehensive overview of ATDC’s role in shaping a sustainable and skilled future for the apparel industry. Here are the key takeaways.
Q: What is the core mission and primary mandate of the Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC)?
A: At the Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), we empower youth and women with essential skills tailored for the apparel sector. Our comprehensive training programs encompass the entire value chain, from fabric and textiles to advanced pattern making and CAD, merchandising, supervisory roles, and fashion design. Moreover, we offer a variety of courses to suit different needs, including three-month programs for sewing machine operators and self-employed tailors, seven-month programs designed for supervisory positions and fashion designers, and one-year diploma courses.
Additionally, we provide a vocational degree program in partnership with the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, ensuring our graduates are ready for the evolving industry demands. Our recent introduction of the Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing Technology (SAMT) program further reflects our commitment to fostering sustainability in the apparel sector.
Beyond our standard programs, we specialize in designing customized upskilling courses to meet specific industry requirements. We collaborate with prominent brands such as Marks & Spencer, Gap, and Ralph Lauren to enhance their workforce capabilities, ensuring they stay competitive in the rapidly changing apparel market.
Q: How is your organization contributing to achieving the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, particularly in the context of sustainability?
A: At this pivotal moment in the apparel industry, it’s crucial for everyone involved—whether in manufacturing, retail, or design—to have a deep understanding of sustainability. The demand for environmentally responsible practices is also increasing, and the industry must adapt to remain competitive and relevant. To achieve this, we are implementing a three-pronged approach that targets every stage of the value chain.
First, we focus on upskilling the existing workforce. We train employees to adopt sustainable practices in their current roles, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet evolving market demands. We recognize that true transformation begins at the ground level, with those who are already shaping the industry today.
Second, we have introduced a new course, “Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing Technology,” designed to comprehensively address all facets of the apparel manufacturing process. This program goes beyond the basics, delving into critical areas such as merchandising, design, quality, production, and industrial engineering.
However, our primary emphasis is on sustainability—from teaching sustainable design principles that maximize resource efficiency to aligning brand goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We explore the fundamental reasons behind adopting sustainable practices and provide a technical understanding of tools like the Higg Index to measure carbon footprints. Our curriculum also includes innovative alternatives to traditional materials, such as Tencel and bamboo, which are gaining traction due to ongoing research and development.
Finally, we believe in hands-on learning. The course includes internships with textile mills and apparel manufacturing units that are already leaders in sustainability. Students will experience sustainable practices firsthand, observing how these are integrated into real-world operations. They will gain valuable insights into the complete supply chain—from raw materials to finished products—while working with industry pioneers.
By the end of the program, our graduates can enter the workforce with a robust understanding of sustainable practices. They will not only have the theoretical knowledge but also the practical experience necessary to drive change and innovation in the apparel industry.
Q: Given that skills are key drivers of employment and many Indian youth are turning to the apparel industry for job opportunities, what specific solutions does your organization offer to support this trend?
A: Today, we are confronted with a significant challenge: graduates from various fields, including BTech, are increasingly struggling to secure relevant employment. Many are compelled to accept positions far below their qualifications, such as Junior Technical Assistants (JTA) or data entry operators, due to the lack of suitable job opportunities. The advent of the IT sector and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have only intensified this problem, leaving many skilled professionals without appropriate roles.
The apparel sector, by nature, remains labor-intensive and heavily dependent on human resources. However, to address the industry’s pressing needs—particularly regarding sustainability—we must prioritize upskilling workers. The industry is currently grappling with a significant shortage of individuals equipped to meet sustainability goals. Recent forums and industry discussions have underscored this critical gap in expertise.
Achieving meaningful progress towards sustainability requires active participation from all levels of the organization, not just top management. It is essential to have trained personnel at the grassroots and mid-level positions to drive these initiatives effectively. By investing in the training and development of individuals in this vital field, we can address the industry’s skill shortage and ensure that these newly qualified professionals will readily find employment opportunities.
Q: How do you perceive the current global positioning of the Indian apparel industry?
A: Globally, India stands at a pivotal moment, with substantial opportunities emerging against the backdrop of instability in China and unrest in Bangladesh. India’s unique advantage is its demographic dividend, a resource that other countries do not possess. This demographic edge, however, will only yield benefits if effectively harnessed. If not, we risk facing a future characterized by high unemployment and social unrest.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to align educational programs with the evolving needs of the industry. By ensuring that courses and training are in sync with market demand, we can better prepare the workforce for available jobs. This alignment is especially crucial as we explore sustainability, a sector with significant growth potential for India. Yet, this potential must not remain a theoretical ideal; it needs to be translated into concrete actions and real-world outcomes.
As emphasized in various fora, discussing intentions is not enough. We must focus on actionable steps to turn these intentions into reality. The ATDC (Apparel Training and Design Centre) is a prime example of this approach. By developing industry-relevant courses and actively engaging with businesses, ATDC is not only articulating its goals but also implementing them effectively. Their initiative illustrates a commitment to transforming intent into impactful results, setting a benchmark for how organizations can drive meaningful progress.
