THRC’s Skills and Learning Sites and Portal: Tailored Learning Builds Competitive Advantage

The Textiles Human Resources Council (THRC) works to enhance the image of the textile industry, attract young workers, and encourage continuous learning. THRC also assists manufacturers develop a flexible and highly skilled workforce through its learning programs and services. In 2003, THRC launched its Skills and Learning Sites and Portal project—a cost-shared learning infrastructure that provides ready access to economical training on the shop floor in textile workplaces. Faced with challenges that have caused a significant contraction in production and employment, the industry has embraced the project wholeheartedly. This case study looks at how the Sites and Portal impact Canadian textile manufacturers and the textile sector. In particular, it looks at the benefits and value that the Sites and Portal bring to textile manufacturers; the impact they have on individual learning activities and performance; and the keys to success for the Sites and Portal.