The Ulster Scene

Cutting their coat… The content of courses for training technicians at the Belfast College of Technology has not kept pace with the rapid changes in skills needed to fix and maintain the technologically‐advanced machinery widely employed in the clothing industry, states a report by the Northern Ireland Economic Council. Since it is not possible for the College to invest in its own advanced machinery, the report Economic Strategy: The Clothing Industry suggests that steps be taken to see if it is feasible for students to be given practical instruction within factories during the traditional early closing hours on Fridays. In view of the labour supply difficulties in some of its areas, it also urges measures to promote the clothing industry positively through local schools and job centres — in a way that would correct the current poor image the industry projects. It also underlines a need to keep training provision under review to ensure that local firms can react quickly and flexibly to the increasing pace of fashion changes. The report states: