Apparel Importers & Exporters Education and Training

Find the latest trends with apparel importers & exporters education and training
By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon Apparel trading distributors often require education and training before they will hire an apparel buyer. The educational requirements vary by company, so you may want to consult job postings for the industry to see what particular companies want. In some cases, you can contact the Human Resource department and find out the necessary qualifications.

An apparel exporter has several options for obtaining education and training. A few of these that you might want to consider include the following options:

1. Find classes, courses and seminars geared toward the fashion industry and exporting and importing.

2. Utilize industry resources for apparel importers & exporters education and training.

3. Keep up to date with laws and regulations regarding apparel trading.

Take educational courses, attend seminars or get a degree geared for apparel importers & exporters

When you work in an industry that deals with importing and exporting, there are basic requirements you need to know. Some of these will depend on the countries with which you do business. Education on the basics of importing, exporting and working with fabrics can help you with your career goals.
Try:  The Global Training Center provides seminars, courses and educational materials to help apparel importers & exporters learn the basics of the industry. World Wide Learn offers an overview of Fashion Merchandising. It offers links to schools that offer programs related to the buying and selling of apparel.

Attend events and training hosted by apparel trading providers

Businesses in the industry can be a great source for education and training. Some providers will offer education and training through conferences and events. Others provide demonstrations at these events as sponsors.
Try:  Fashion Business Inc. (FBI) offers its members a variety of educational resources specific to apparel buyers. It offers online training for its most popular seminars. Textile Exchange maintains a list of upcoming trade events specific to apparel trading. Its list includes international events.

Gain education on the laws specific to apparel trading

US laws on importing and exporting products regulate the industry. Some things like tariffs and customs impact the countries you can buy and sell to. These laws and regulations change on a regular basis, and the government expects you to stay in compliance. Not only do you need initial training, you need to plan for continuing education in this area.
Try:  The United States Department of Labor issues a report on The Apparel Industry and Codes of Conduct. You can view the report in PDF or HTML formats. EmergingTextiles.com provides up-to-date information on rules, regulations and policies affecting apparel exporters and importers. It updates its website with weekly reports.

• When you look into educational opportunities, don't forget to look for international apparel trading distributors that offer training.