The Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN) has announced the launch of its Certificate in Foundations of Textile Manufacturing, a new competency-based, industry-endorsed credential aimed at strengthening real-world manufacturing literacy across the apparel and textile supply chain.
“Manufacturing literacy has always been a critical capability across the apparel and textile supply chain—especially for emerging talent entering the industry,” said Lynsey Jones, Executive Director of AAPN. “This certificate was created to give early-career professionals and cross-functional teams practical, real-world understanding of how textiles are actually made, by learning directly from the mills themselves.”
What the certificate delivers
The program is designed to close a long-standing knowledge gap between brands, retailers, and manufacturing partners by grounding participants in how textiles are produced in actual mill environments, not classrooms alone. Key outcomes include:
- Clearer cross-functional communication
- Better sourcing and product decisions
- Stronger, more informed supplier relationships
Mill-based, hands-on learning
According to Ron Roach, President of Contempora Fabrics, the curriculum goes deep into applied manufacturing realities:
“We’re teaching participants how to analyze circular knit fabric, understand different constructions, and learn the quality terms used in circular knits. We also focus on how to identify and fix problems when they arise. When you add in the dye houses, woven manufacturing plants, the texturizing plant, and the largest spinning plant in the United States, it becomes an unbelievable educational week for brands and retailers.”
Who the program is for
The certificate is tailored for:
- Early-career professionals entering apparel or textile supply chains
- Merchandising, sourcing, procurement, product development, design, manufacturing, and operations teams
- Sales, marketing, and technical professionals working closely with mills
- Cross-functional teams seeking a stronger production foundation
Core competencies covered
Participants earning the certificate demonstrate foundational knowledge across:
- Cotton fiber and spinning
- Synthetic fiber and spinning
- Thread manufacturing
- Weaving and knitting
- Dyeing and finishing
Delivered through the Carolina Mill Tour
The certificate is currently offered in conjunction with the AAPN Carolina Mill Tour, which in 2025 hosted executives from 12 leading apparel brands across textile and trim facilities in North and South Carolina.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Carolina Mill Tour (March 23–26). Participation is limited, with registration closing February 26 or once capacity is reached.
Why it matters:
As supply chains become more complex and accountability expectations rise, AAPN’s initiative positions manufacturing literacy as a strategic capability, not a niche skill—helping the next generation of apparel leaders make better decisions, faster, and with greater confidence.
