THE TEXTILE GATEWAY

The FabricLink Network is working with leaders in the textile industry to re-energize the textile industry for the future; and, is overseeing the development of The Textile Gateway (TTG) to connect the textile industry to students at all levels.  Visit the website. Read current article in Textile Insight magazine.

We have heard from many textile suppliers & manufacturers who are frustrated by problems in trying to find qualified replacements for experienced staff who are retiring or leaving, and in attracting young workers for entry level positions. There is also a real concern about where the domestic industry will find the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

A central element of TTG is an outreach program to educate and generate interest in textile careers; something which is vitally needed. Students in elementary, middle, and high schools aren't thinking about a career in textiles, in part because they aren’t being taught.  Career and Technical Education (CTE) Departments and Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs for middle & high schools often lack resources regarding textiles and its many career paths.  In many cases textiles aren’t even included in such programs.  There is also the misconception that the textile industry is just about fashion design, even though this is far from the truth.  In fact, new product developments for sustainable textiles, smart textiles, and bio-based/bio-inspired textiles are expanding opportunities for scientists, engineers, and idea-makers, who never thought of being involved with textiles.

The TTG will also encourage and provide the means to connect the industry with students in colleges, universities and trade schools. While textile programs at some universities remain strong, programs at other schools are under-funded and are contracting or being combined with other departments, such as art, agriculture, or business. The textile industry needs to provide mentoring and internships to enrich academic studies with practical insights and real-world experiences and to inspire tomorrow's designers, product developers and decision makers.  The TTG program will connect students to industry professionals, who share their knowledge and insights through videos, personal visits to schools, webinars, panel discussions, technical talks, podcasts, interviews, and tours of textile facilities. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. The Textile Gateway is created to benefit of the textile industry. We invite you to show support by downloading and displaying The Textile Gateway logo. Please link the logo to thetextilegateway.org
   
   
2. The Textile Gateway is looking to partner with textile workforce development programs that provide textile internships, skills training, apprenticeship programs, or offer scholarships to students. Please contact Tom Swantko for more information at: director@thetextilegateway.com
   
   
3. Inspirational Videos & Articles: Send us educational video(s) that invite and inspire students to consider careers in the textile industry. Suggested topics can include, but are not limited in focus to:

• The amazing future for textiles
• The need for creative minds;
• The wide range of career paths offered, from product developers & designers, to technicians, sewers & plant maintenance; and workforce development opportunities.
  
  

4. Share Content: We are looking for appropriate content for each grade. Send us links to videos, articles, or other content you feel we should review. Guidelines are provided below, if desired, you can create your own content.

• Content for outreach to primary and secondary schools should educate students about the textile industry; imagine future textiles; discuss the industry's challenges and needs; tour facilities. and talk about careers paths opportunities.
• Content for college/university textile students should share knowledge and inspire through technical talks, interviews, videos, webinars, panel discussions, podcasts, and tours of textile facilities.
  

Guidelines for Content

• Digital presentations should generally be between about 3 to 6 minutes long for elementary students, and 5 to 15 minutes in length for high school students. However, longer presentations will also be considered for advanced students. (Videos can easily be taken with a cell phone, but should be narrated.)
• Articles should be under 750 words and include photos/graphics.
• Product videos may be considered, but should be primarily educational in nature.
• Your company will be credited for any company content provided. • Also, consider sending us link(s) and a brief description for other resources you may have seen for inclusion on The Textile Gateway.

5. Short Survey: We would appreciate if you would take a short survey to provide your opinion regarding the mission of The Textile Gateway. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. Questions can be answered by checking listed responses, and answers can remain anonymous. The link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCSJ6CC

Contact: Send your questions, ideas, suggested content to: Tom Swantko at director@thetextilegateway.com or 310-901-3036.

Feel free to share this request with your associates and industry colleagues.