Apparel industry woos women mechanics

Brandix has taken another significant step in its on-going efforts to promote gender equality across the Group by appointing 19 female mechanics who completed an in-house training course on sewing machine maintenance and repair.

Penetrating what was once a male bastion, the 19 female associates from four business clusters of the Brandix Group completed the intensive four-month training program that covered 10 types of sewing machines and encompassed a comprehensive range of technical skills. The course was conducted at the Brandix College of Clothing Technology (BCCT).

These women between 18-30, who had earlier been employed as sewing machine operators, quality controllers and helpers, have now been promoted Junior Mechanic with higher salaries and improved prospects, a company spokesman said.

Group Head of Engineering, Brandix, Iresha Somarathna said, "We are delighted with the enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the batch, and with the success of the training program."

"As a Group that is committed to equal opportunity employment, Brandix offers its executive and non-executive staff numerous opportunities for career progression, and it is most encouraging to see these opportunities being made the most of," she said.

The female mechanics who completed the course were examined via a practical test, a written test and by their manuals and record-keeping. Seven mechanics obtained a High Distinction pass, while eight others received a Distinction.

Ranked Sri Lanka's most valuable export brand in 2016 by Brand Finance, Brandix is the country's single largest apparel exporter. The pioneer of the concept of 'total solutions' in Sri Lanka's apparel sector and a preferred supplier to some of the top retail brands in the US and Europe, Brandix is also a benchmark and international award winner for eco-friendly manufacture and commitment to environmental best practices.