Purpose of the Project
The premium and performance apparel sector in BC is growing at exponential rates. The main goal of the BC Apparel Sector Labour Market Partnership (SLMP), formed between industry and government, is to address the significant skills shortages faced by apparel companies in British Columbia. Complementary work, in parallel to the LMP, is also being done by industry players on other topics such as innovation, supply chain and global branding.
Overview
Apparel is estimated to be the fourth largest component of the province’s manufacturing sector after food and beverage processing, value-added wood and paper manufacturing. This is the result of some keystone global brands, along with a thriving cluster of medium and boutique brands for high-end fashion, technical performance wear, athliesure wear and footwear.
The sector is facing some barriers to further growth and industry players have come together to collaborate on finding solutions to common challenges.
Labour Market Partnerships have five phases and the Apparel project is currently in Phase 3 – Strategy Development.
Benefits for the Sector
Not counting those employed in retail positions, apparel businesses in British Columbia are reporting almost 9,000 anticipated vacancies by 2025. The LMP is an opportunity for apparel businesses to work together, with government support, to design and implement solutions to mitigate the skills shortages undermining the sector’s competitiveness.
To Learn More Please Contact:
Marcus Ewert-Johns
President & CEO
T: +1 (604) 900-1980 x110
M: +1 (778) 875-4889
marcus[at]manufacturingbc.org
Bernice Banguis
Manager, Operations
T: +1 (604) 900-1980 x111
M: +1 (778) 846-3807
bernice[at]manufacturingbc.org
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