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TEXTILE'S FUTURE LEADERS

Our question

Grads of 1997-2000, you are the future decision makers of our industry. We would like to have your impressions on the following points.

1. For the textile sector, what do you foresee in 5 years? in 10 years?
   
   
2. In your opinion, what does your employer think?
   
   
3. Have you personally developped a career plan?
   

Their answers

1999 Graduate

"For the recent grads' jobs, I must say that there are many possibilities for those who know how to distinguish themselves. They are the ones who will determine the future of the textile industry in the coming years. I am at ease with my responsibilities and wish to thank those who give young people a chance to grow. The textile sector has been excellent for me right from the start. I have learned a lot and held very interesting positions.

1. In the next five years, the textile sector will have decreased a lot (approximately 30%). There will always be textile in Quebec, but only small and medium size manufacturers. Commodities will have disappeared.
   
   
2. My employer thinks the same.
   
   
3. I hope to continue working in the textile industry in the years to come but I must say that I am worried. I am presently learning in another field outside textile which could become the new direction for my future career.
   

1998 Graduate

"(...) Furthermore, communication between people working in the industry seems to be one of the biggest problems to solve, even though many tools have been put at our disposal.

(...) Few manufacturers will survive another 10 years. (...) Fortunately, our employers seem opened to find "niche" markets, either technical or specialised. I think that mass production will be reduced to the production of many specialised products in smaller quantities.

As for me, even though my career is doing well and I am very busy, I am presently specialising in another sector so as to have a way out if there is no more work in my field. However, I still aspire to a key role in the top management in the next 5 years."

1999 Graduate

"(...) What could the people in place have done for the industry when the first signs came from Asia a few years ago. It's that small period which is now hurting the present or future market because the Canadian industry has already taken the blow and we still feel the damage every day. One must see this as a shift and a new way of working, not as a low period which is almost over.

Personally, the question I ask myself most is: Why didn't our experts and management present at the time (1990-95) react to the first imports to AT LEAST try and put pressure on our government (as a group of manufacturers) versus barriers and import quotas? (...) Instead, we let manufacturers thousand and thousands of kilometers away take control of our territory.

(...) The Textile market will never be the same, large orders of thousands of meters will be scarce, even for someone working in imports today. The ("our" in the past) customers will be doing business more and more with foreign garment producers. Never again will those customers' customers accept to pay the price they used to pay because they are now paying less and with the present uncertain economic situation in Quebec and/or Canada. (...)"


We wish to thank those who took the time to answer us!


The Management
Groupe Textile
28-02-06