A skilled workforce plays a critical role in the development of an innovative, full-circle and thriving future for the fashion and textiles industry in Aotearoa NZ, one that creates positive benefits for people and planet. Mindful Fashion has worked with members of NZ’s fashion and textile industry and tertiary education providers to build a comprehensive picture of the skills landscape across the industry in New Zealand.

Through this project Mindful Fashion has developed a series of resource tools that showcase the diverse range of roles and skills required for a sustainable industry in Aotearoa, and has identified key skills gaps and opportunities where work needs to be done.

Analysis of findings from industry engagement show skills gaps especially in the area of technical skills. In particular the industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled machinists, and has limited training pathways, and no formal on the job training pathway, for machinists wanting to up-skill to be industry ready. Results have been shared with all stakeholders and can be used in workforce and education planning, and in building pathways into the industry.

Read the Skills Landscape paper here.

Read more about the project here.

Access the resources here.