Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

The Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industry consists of diverse sectors with differing workforce development challenges and future opportunities.

Victoria and New South Wales have the majority of textile processing and manufacturing TCF production businesses with Victoria having the largest share of textile processing and manufacturing workforce.

Businesses in this sector have had to adapt to constant changes in their industry with not only advances in new technology but competing with cheaper overseas products. They now provide high-value output such as boutique brands, ethically manufactured items and protective clothing and textiles used in building and construction, agriculture, medical and hygiene and packaging.

What does this industry cover?

The industry can be grouped into three broad areas:

• Textile processing and manufacturing of natural materials such as wool, cotton and leather and synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and shade cloth

• TCF production which is the manufacture of clothing, textiles, footwear, leather goods and technical textiles

• TCF services which includes fashion and textile design, dry cleaning operations, laundry operations and clothing and footwear repairs.

Job hunting information

Emerging technologies across the sector that include automated CAD cutting and laser measuring equipment, 3D printing, radiofrequency identification bar coding, and research projects for sustainable/environmental fibrous materials and polymers have changed the way you work in this industry.

The top priority skills required in this industry are : fashion business , ethical sourcing and supply chain management and STEM skills.

The top priority industry and occupation skills required are: industrial sewing, advanced clothing production and garment alterations.

Information for further research

Industry information is published by peak level associations, government and major employers. Accessing industry association sites, including member lists, is a good way of building up an understanding of an industry. Visiting employer websites and looking for careers or employment menus helps identify how employers recruit and the skills they are recruiting.