The educational non-profit organization, Fashion Business Inc., has partnered with Microsoft to launch a first of it's kind apparel specific job skills training program, designed to help displaced workers update their technology skills and re-enter the workforce.

The program which started this week is sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, and provided completely free to participants.  The interactive classroom discussion, lab and case study formats give participants with a real world perspective on how Microsoft products and other software is used to operate a corporate apparel company.    

The 8 week training curriculum includes: Microsoft Office for the Apparel Industry, Tech Packs Using Microsoft Excel 2007 and, Accounting for the Apparel Industry using QuickBooks.  Also as major bonus participants will become certified in Apparel Information Management Systems, the widely used apparel management software which serves as the framework for the program. 

All of the classes are taught by industry experienced instructors including Scott Allen, owner of the multi-brand apparel company NOTICE, Shahin Kohan, owner of Focal Technology, a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, Randall Baxter, AIMS Training Director and Michele De Lozier, a technical designer with over 30 years industry experience with major retailers. 

Classroom participants range from recent fashion school graduates unable to find full time employment, to business owners who have had to close shop due to the recent economic downturn.  Other attendees are industry veterans whose positions were recently eliminated, which prompted them to update their skills to become more competitive job candidates.   

With Microsoft's support we are able to help displaced workers take advantage of these slow and challenging times, helping them to come out stronger on the other side, says FBI Executive Director Frances Harder.  People are excited about being able to re-group and strengthen their skills without any additional expense.

By partnering with Fashion Biz Inc. we can continue to provide our talent community with the top integrated technology solutions available, and our clients with a trained talent pool said Sherri Shaw, an account manager at the fashion staffing agency, 24 Seven, which referred many of the class participants.   With this current economy, it is always a good idea to build all of the skills and certifications that you can to remain competitive in the marketplace."

Although the first class has already begun, the program has two other sections starting this spring.  For more information on the Microsoft Apparel Job Skills Training Program and how to enroll please call Fashion Business Inc. at 213.892.1669 or email info@fashionbizinc.org.

About FBI:

The Fashion Business, Inc. 501(c)(3) is a business resource and training center dedicated to the growth of the U.S apparel industry.  The FBI provides convenient access to important training, tools and business resources that support the advancement of domestic garment manufacturers, apparel industry workers and the U.S economy. 

For more information about Fashion Business Inc. resources and programs please visit www.fashionbizinc.org.

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