The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Workforce Development Council (WDC) has the goal of developing solutions to the biggest problem facing the textiles industry today—how to find and keep skilled employees. This group will work to build and train the sewing, fabricating and manufacturing workforce across all segments of the industry along with working with the next generation of textile professionals.

As its first initiative, the WDC is creating a Workforce Development Resource Library. This will be a place where local, state and federal resources, training programs, educational institution details and advocacy information will be collected to share with the membership.

The WDC is also looking for passionate ATA members to join the group’s Advisory Board. For more information about submitting materials to the Workforce Development Resource Library or to join the WDC Advisory Board, contact ATA Member Programs Manager Janelle Buerkley at janelle.buerkley@textiles.org.