THE textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry is growing but the lack of workers is a challenge, says TCF president Kaushik Kumar.
Mr Kumar said the TCF sector employed about 7000 workers and with the demand in the industry, 500 jobs could be added straightaway.
“Some factories have major expansion plans next year and this will also create more jobs,” he told this newspaper yesterday.
He said the TCF sector was experiencing growth with the export orders and most factories were in peak production period.
“The sector is attracting more buyers from Australia and New Zealand due to its flexibility with low minimum quantities and relatively quick deliveries.
“These clients also find it easy to work with Fiji due to its close proximity and ease of communication.”
He said most of the factories were looking to employ additional staff but were facing a huge skill shortfall.
“The industry is also finding it difficult to attract trainee staff.”
According to him, many factories had set up inhouse training for sewing machinists.
“The trainees are paid a learner rate while going through the training program and acquiring new skills. As the skill level improves they have opportunities to progress.”
Mr Kumar said the challenge was finding skilled workers but at the same time employers were prepared to take unskilled workers and train them.
Once there was a steady income stream, he said, this would lead towards improving their living standards.
Mark One Apparel managing director Mark Halabe earlier said the industry could earn more than $500million in 25 years.
Mr Halabe said he was confident this would create 15,000 to 20,000 employment opportunities in the industry.