Textile education is an individualized process these days with all the schools and training options available. Students need to look at the big picture and ask, "Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?" or "Do I simply need a rigorous course or two that will get me in the workforce quickly?” You will need to research the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend.

There are accredited colleges that offer online training, of course, and non-accredited online training. There are plenty of less than sterling courses on the web, as well. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for your textile industry training:

1. Look at brick and mortar schools with accredited programs.

2. Use online fabric and textile education courses.

3. Find resources, associations and helpful websites for fabric education.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for textile training

Go to an established school for a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: NC State University’s College of Textiles Research offers degrees profession education in fabrics and textiles. They showcase a Six Sigma program that focuses on statistically improving quality and processes. Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology has a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design. They consider the textile program an art specialty but also emphasize chemistry and science of textiles. At Georgia Tech, PTFE offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that specialize in fiber and polymer engineering. This school is one of the top public universities in polymer and fabric training.

Take rigorous fabrics courses online

There are many fine training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: At ITT, basic textiles distance learning is the norm. They will train groups, companies or individuals as well. Get an online degree in fashion from the International Academy of Design and Technology. Learn about merchandizing in fashion.

Find associations, resources and helpful websites for fabrics training

Look at these resources, and define your needs and goals. Find the right programs and associations for your textile education.

I recommend: Go to FiberSource for technical classes in fabrics. This website has online classrooms on various aspects of the fabric business. Textile World is another source for textile information and news along with supplier contacts, products, dying tips.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing course in fabrics. If you want accredited programs, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of textile industry training programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.