Contemorary Approach in Maximizing Skills-Set among Small Scale Garment Producers to Promote Productivity in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Skills Gap in Kumasi Garment Industry

Abstract

The advancement of new technologies and acquisition of modern skills by garment production is to produce high-quality garments to meet customers' demands. This study employed the Jaideo’s Skills Gap Theory/Model (2012) to explore the skills gap among SMEs garment producers in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study aims to investigate the requirements of quality garment production among small-scale fashion industry. It further aimed to determine the skills, materials, tools, and equipment required to enhance garment production in Kumasi metropolis. The study employed a quantitative approach lensed by descriptive survey research design to investigate the research problem. Stratified random sampling technique was used to arrive at 161 participants that responded to the study. Questionnaires were employed as a data collection tool. The results revealed that majority of the small scale garment producers owing to their familiarity by reason of their previous knowledge and skills, they consider and employ requirements such as design skills, computer aided design, creativity, trend awareness, technical skills (technique in garment production and machines manipulation and repair), sewing and pattern making, knowledge of material, and finishing for their quality garment production. The study further concluded that, the inadequate skills of the small scale garment producers affected the output of quality garment production. These include computer aided design for garment designing, a skill that most garment producers need to be equipped with to meet the ever-growing digitalization in the fashion industry.