The experiences of female graduates of textile and apparel programs in the early stages of their industry careers were examined using two methods: (1) a questionnaire completed by textile and apparel companies, and (2) interviews with women employed in industry jobs for < 5 years. The questionnaire results revealed that the number of female employees was highest in wage/staff and midlevel positions and the number of male employees was highest in salaried and high‐level positions. Interview data showed that participants had a high level of job satisfaction and valued the knowledge gained by acquiring a degree in textiles and apparel. About half of the participants found their first full‐time job through internships. Others said that informal networking led to their first job. Participants stressed the importance of understanding “politics” in the workplace. Those in smaller companies reported assuming greater responsibilities and having more freedom to make decisions.
Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of displaced female textile sector workers. Design/methodology/approach -A qualitative approach to data collection and interpretation forms the methodological basis of the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 female employees who were laid off from a large textile manufacturing facility in a southeastern state. Participants were selected through the local community college where they returned to school after losing their jobs. Findings -A phenomenological interpretation of the responses led to the development of three emergent thematic areas connecting similarities and differences that surfaced across the participants" narratives. Key issues within the thematic areas point to the need for each participant to come to terms with the job loss, both emotionally and financially, and to decide where she would go from there. Research limitations/implications -The study focuses on women employed at a single manufacturing facility and within a single state in the southeastern USA. Implications of the meanings of participants" experiences for their community and for the future of employment in the US textile sector are considered. Practical implications -The study provides an interpretation of the impact of textile sector dynamics on the lives of displaced workers and the local community. Originality/value -The paper offers insight into the human side of industry dynamics and declining manufacturing employment figures. It also sheds light on the extent to which some displaced textile sector workers have pursued the educational options made available through government programs designed to provide assistance with education and retraining.
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