The Apparel, Made-ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) marked a significant milestone on Oct 9 with the inauguration of its first Center of Excellence (COE) in Kandivali, Mumbai. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the center, which represents a breakthrough in India’s efforts to establish industry-driven skill development and workforce training in the apparel and home furnishing sector.
The Kandivali COE, developed with the support of ITEES Singapore, stands out as a pioneering institution that integrates global standards into India’s skilling ecosystem. Unlike previous centers set up independently by AMHSSC, this COE will feature courses designed collaboratively with ITEES Singapore, an international leader in technical education. The aim is to align India’s apparel training programs with the best global practices, enhancing both productivity and quality within the industry.
The COE model reflects AMHSSC’s commitment to establishing industry-aligned training centers across the country. These COEs aim to bridge skill gaps, uplift training standards, and create an adaptable workforce ready to meet the demands of a dynamic apparel sector. With a focus on research, training, and productivity, the Kandivali center is designed as a replicable model for future COEs, setting new standards for vocational education and workforce support in India.
In his address, the minister praised the vision and efforts of Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC, for creating a world-class infrastructure aimed at skill development, reskilling, and upskilling. He said, “The Center of Excellence in Kandivali stands as a beacon for the future of India’s apparel industry, providing our youth and small entrepreneurs with the tools and training to lead India’s fashion and apparel sector to global prominence.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sakthivel thanked Shri Goyal for his ongoing support, highlighting that AMHSSC has trained over 22 lakh individuals across the country. “Our goal is to continue building a workforce that not only meets industry needs but also leads the industry forward with innovation and excellence,” Dr. Sakthivel noted.
New Courses to Meet Emerging Skill Demands in Fashion
Among the COE’s unique offerings are specialized courses introduced for the first time in India, including Luxury Fashion Consultant, Fashion Retail Merchandising, and Sourcing Specialist, each developed to address the evolving needs of the ready-made garment sector. By equipping trainees with these in-demand skills, AMHSSC is setting new benchmarks for the apparel industry in India, helping trainees gain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing market landscape.
A course on Fashion Entrepreneurship has also been introduced, designed specifically for aspiring youth, nano, and small entrepreneurs interested in establishing their own fashion businesses. The program combines foundational fashion knowledge with entrepreneurship skills, digital design expertise, market access, credit linkage, and personalized mentorship. It aims to foster a culture of innovation and empower youth to launch boutiques, home-based enterprises, and small-scale businesses that reflect their personal brand and creative vision.
