Jaipur: In a bid to strengthen the state’s garment industry, the Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan has set up a training and research centre to address the growing demand for skilled and semi-skilled manpower.The GEAR Training & Research Foundation will undertake skill development programmes tailored to industry needs. It will also carry out research activities to better understand global market requirements for improving exports from the state.Industry stakeholders have long faced challenges in sourcing adequately trained workers. Shortages of skilled operators, pattern makers, computer-aided design operators, and quality control personnel have emerged as key bottlenecks in scaling production and exports.Rakshit Poddar, president of GEAR, said, “The new institute aims to directly address shortage of skilled manpower by offering structured, high-quality training programmes.”He said training modules will cover a wide range of roles within the garment sector, including tailors, master trainers, pattern makers, quality controllers, checkers, merchandisers, and designers.“Course durations will be flexible, ranging from short-term programmes of 15 days to more intensive courses lasting up to three months, depending on curriculum design and faculty inputs,” added Poddar.According to Poddar, the cost of training will be shared both by the candidates and the industry. “If we did not want to make it completely free to ensure greater commitment and seriousness, thereby improving outcomes and employability,” added Poddar.The institute plans to train between 1,000 and 1,500 students annually across various disciplines, creating a steady pipeline of industry-ready professionals for the garment sector.GEAR has mobilised around Rs 3.5 crore funding for the project from its members and is looking to approach relevant agencies and departments in both Centre and the state.
