The future is sustainable

Sustainable fashion and textile manufacturing and operations will be playing a larger role in the new National Occupational Standards (NOS), which provide a clear description of what people need to be able to do in order to perform their job competently. Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Creative Industries are consulting employers, unions and trade bodies so that the new standards reflect the needs of all parts of the industry. Sustainability is a growing area for the fashion and textiles sector due to increasing legislation, the need to reduce production costs and changing consumer attitudes. Meeting environmental challenges will impact manufacturing firms in a variety of ways, affecting the availability of raw materials, transportation costs, energy and water use and the effective disposal of waste. To cope with these changes, the sector will increasingly require individuals who understand how legislation and sustainability impacts upon businesses, and how to effectively respond to these demands. Skillset’s chief executive, Dinah Caine, said: “These developments present our industry with both challenges and opportunities. We want to make sure that the voice of the industry is heard in these consultations so that these Standards are as relevant and useful as possible.” People can get involved by attending one of Skillset’s regional focus groups in September and October, or taking part in their online consultation in mid-October. Image: Rodomotion