With the footwear industry poised to grow at 20-30 per cent in the next couple of years, the career options in this field are also on an upward spiral. It is the right time to explore opportunities within this lucrative industry, says SHIBAJI ROYCHOUDHARY
Shoes, like clothes, constitute an important part of dressing up. People know how footwear enhances the personality of an individual. Apart from the aesthetic value, the footwear industry holds the key to a successful career.
The art of making shoes was earlier restricted to the unorganised traditional sector. There was little awareness about the industry and footwear was considered a mere necessity. However, the mindset has changed in the last decade. Today, India ranks second to China in footwear producing countries. It is no longer a secret that accessories are given more attention than the apparel itself.
As a result of this trend, the Indian footwear industry is undergoing a boom and is poised to grow at a whopping annual rate of 25 to 30 per cent in the next couple of years. With the industry growing at such a rate, the fact that more and more skilled professionals will be required over the years to come cannot be ignored.
The footwear industry can be divided into three basic divisions — design, manufacturing and marketing. Designing focuses on the creative aspect and deals with developing new patterns and designs taking into consideration the constant changing needs and tastes of clients and customers. In other merchandise-related industries, there is a possibility of altering the finished products to fit the consumer needs. Footwear, however, stand out as an exception to this rule, since they have to fit the customer in one go, as there is no scope for alteration.
Hence, perfection is the key. And to be able to do so, one needs all the basic requirements of a designer. The ability to think spatially, creative bent of mind and the knack to bring about a harmony between the aesthetics and utility are just a few of the prerequisites for footwear designer.
If you wish to pursue your career in footwear design, you can apply for a course in footwear technology or design right after 10+2. Science graduates and those with experience or training can make a foray into management and supervision.
Although there is no scarcity of skilled workers, there has been a shortage of managerial and supervisory staff with technical qualifications due to lack of proper training and education.
Taking that aspect into consideration, the Government of India established the Central Footwear Training Center, Agra (UP) in 1963. Later, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Noida (UP) was launched under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in 1986.
“The footwear industry is growing beyond belief. We have a record of 100 per cent placements every year. There are more jobs available compared to the number of students applying for them. It is a win-win situation for those who want to pursue a career in the footwear industry,” says Jyoti Kohli, Assistant Director, Corporate Communication (FDDI) also adding that “companies like Reebok, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Bata, Zara, et al visit our campus for placements,” she added.
With the Indian population rising over 1.2 billion, the estimated size of the footwear market is about 80 million pairs. The footwear export industry is also on an upward spiral and is expected to reach a total of 400 million pairs a year in the next five years. The investment cost being low, thanks to cheap labour and raw material in the country, a number of private units are also being set up. As a result, the scope for interested candidates will increase in future.
The art of making shoes was earlier restricted to the unorganised traditional sector. There was little awareness about the industry and footwear was considered a mere necessity. However, the mindset has changed in the last decade. Today, India ranks second to China in footwear producing countries. It is no longer a secret that accessories are given more attention than the apparel itself.
As a result of this trend, the Indian footwear industry is undergoing a boom and is poised to grow at a whopping annual rate of 25 to 30 per cent in the next couple of years. With the industry growing at such a rate, the fact that more and more skilled professionals will be required over the years to come cannot be ignored.
The footwear industry can be divided into three basic divisions — design, manufacturing and marketing. Designing focuses on the creative aspect and deals with developing new patterns and designs taking into consideration the constant changing needs and tastes of clients and customers. In other merchandise-related industries, there is a possibility of altering the finished products to fit the consumer needs. Footwear, however, stand out as an exception to this rule, since they have to fit the customer in one go, as there is no scope for alteration.
Hence, perfection is the key. And to be able to do so, one needs all the basic requirements of a designer. The ability to think spatially, creative bent of mind and the knack to bring about a harmony between the aesthetics and utility are just a few of the prerequisites for footwear designer.
If you wish to pursue your career in footwear design, you can apply for a course in footwear technology or design right after 10+2. Science graduates and those with experience or training can make a foray into management and supervision.
Although there is no scarcity of skilled workers, there has been a shortage of managerial and supervisory staff with technical qualifications due to lack of proper training and education.
Taking that aspect into consideration, the Government of India established the Central Footwear Training Center, Agra (UP) in 1963. Later, Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), Noida (UP) was launched under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce, Government of India in 1986.
“The footwear industry is growing beyond belief. We have a record of 100 per cent placements every year. There are more jobs available compared to the number of students applying for them. It is a win-win situation for those who want to pursue a career in the footwear industry,” says Jyoti Kohli, Assistant Director, Corporate Communication (FDDI) also adding that “companies like Reebok, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Bata, Zara, et al visit our campus for placements,” she added.
With the Indian population rising over 1.2 billion, the estimated size of the footwear market is about 80 million pairs. The footwear export industry is also on an upward spiral and is expected to reach a total of 400 million pairs a year in the next five years. The investment cost being low, thanks to cheap labour and raw material in the country, a number of private units are also being set up. As a result, the scope for interested candidates will increase in future.
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