SKILL NEEDS AND GAPS IN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORKS IN THE ROMANIAN CLOTHING INDUSTRY

Abstract

Starting from the current analysis of the garments industry's critical points, namely the skills deficiency with competencies in this field and its related occupations, the mapping qualification needs and WBL good practices for the Romanian clothing sector was performed. The activities implemented in Romania were desk-based research of existing education and training programs and field-based research through surveys and focus groups, in close cooperation with Romanian T&C companies and VET representatives. The results were attained based on a cooperation structure between partners (T&C associations, Technological Centres, VET providers) and relevant stakeholders (T&C companies, VET providers and qualification experts). Through the analysis of the questionnaires filled by the companies and VET providers, the most important technical competences for the clothing technician were identified. The new profile qualification will be more cross-cutting, more attractive and also with a high employment potential in the various kind of companies. This new profile meets the identified needs, the information provided is harmonized with the level of European competences for which school curricula or other national training programmes are not delivered any longer.