The Declining Loss of Skills in Fashion Manufacturing
The fashion industry in Australia is facing a growing issue—the declining loss of skills in local manufacturing. From the last dye houses to the final wash houses and knitting workshops, these valuable skills are slowly disappearing. Why is this happening, and how can we change course before it’s too late?
I recently had the chance to sit down with the owner of one of the last dye houses in the country. It was a sobering conversation, highlighting just how serious the declining loss of skills is becoming. We talked about the challenges local manufacturers face, how government procurement affects the industry, and what needs to change to prevent these skills from vanishing.
The Role of Government Procurement in the Declining Loss of Skills
Government procurement plays a big part in the declining loss of skills in the local fashion industry. Government contracts often prioritize cost over quality, making it difficult for local manufacturers to compete with cheaper offshore alternatives. While our business doesn’t rely directly on government procurement (we mainly focus on making patterns for companies that do), it’s clear that this issue affects everyone in the industry.
There’s been a lot of discussion around how the government could support the industry more effectively, particularly by investing in local skills training and development. Without this investment, the declining loss of skills will only continue. And that’s a scary thought—because once these skills are gone, they’re almost impossible to recover.
Designers and the Declining Loss of Skills
Another major factor in the declining loss of skills in fashion manufacturing is the lack of understanding from designers. Many designers don’t come to local manufacturers with the right information. This creates huge challenges for production, as manufacturers can’t work effectively without the details they need.
Designers need to better understand how to design for local manufacturing capabilities. It’s not enough to have a great design—you have to ensure that design can be brought to life using the tools and skills available locally. If this doesn’t happen, the declining loss of skills will only accelerate as manufacturers struggle to keep up with unrealistic demands.
The Need for In-House Training to Combat the Declining Loss of Skills
One of the most important ways to address the declining loss of skills is through in-house training. There simply isn’t enough money being put into training local machinists and cutters. While fashion students are incredibly talented, they can’t be expected to replace skilled machinists or cutters. These roles require years of experience and practice, and without proper training programs, these jobs will continue to be under threat.
I’d love to see more support for free education for those who want to become full-time machinists. Upskilling is essential if we want to reverse the declining loss of skills. We need to equip our workforce with the skills to handle more advanced machinery and techniques. By investing in training, we’re not only preserving the craft but also ensuring that local production remains competitive against offshore alternatives.
Understanding the Real Costs: How the Declining Loss of Skills Affects Production
Costs are a big issue in the industry. Many people look at offshore manufacturing and see the lower price tags, but do we really understand the true costs? The declining loss of skills in local manufacturing means that businesses often look overseas for cheaper options. However, what they don’t see are the hidden costs—things like shipping delays, poor quality control, and ethical concerns.
At the end of the day, we would all love it if customers were willing to pay more for local production. But it’s on us to help them understand why that’s necessary. Offshore manufacturing might seem cheaper at first glance, but when you factor in the risks and challenges, it’s clear that the value of local manufacturing is much higher. We need to do a better job of communicating this to future clients, showing them that making in Australia brings long-term value that’s worth paying for.
The Risk of Losing Local Manufacturing Entirely
One of the most striking comments I heard recently was this: if we ever go to war, our armed forces might not have anything to wear because we no longer have the capacity to produce uniforms locally. It might sound extreme, but it highlights a real problem. The declining loss of skills in local manufacturing puts us all at risk—not just in fashion, but in other industries as well.
The truth is, once we lose our local manufacturing industry, it’s incredibly difficult to get it back. The skills are specific, the machinery is specialized, and the knowledge is hard-earned. We can’t afford to let it disappear. Supporting local manufacturing means safeguarding our future, ensuring that we can continue to produce high-quality, reliable products here at home.
Join Our True Cost of Offshore vs Onshore Masterclass
If this topic resonates with you, or if you’d like to learn more about the true costs of offshore versus onshore production, I invite you to join our upcoming masterclass. We’ll break down the real numbers and explore how the declining loss of skills impacts the bottom line. We’ll also discuss why local manufacturing is worth the investment and how we can work together to protect our industry from further decline.
The declining loss of skills doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With the right support, education, and understanding, we can reverse the trend and ensure that our local manufacturing industry remains strong for generations to come.
True Cost of Offshore v Onshore Masterclass
Have you ever wondered what if it actually is cheaper to manufacture overseas, or are you better off with local production?
If you want to know the Facts about what it ACTUALLY costs to make your product then…..
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- Are you unsure what to do first and how to decide on where to manufacture.
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