After a year of seismic change, the ASBCI presents the first in a new event series focused on the future of the fashion industry – Smart Skills Beyond 2020: the new learning mentality. The free webinar will take place on 2 December 2020.
As Covid-19 continues to cause disruption amid a worsening climate crisis, ‘smartification’ has become the watchword of a new era. This is not just about adopting the latest technologies and accelerating the digitalisation of the whole supply chain. It is also about adopting a new mindset together with a reassessment of traditional ways of working.
The businesses that survive and thrive in the post-Covid era will be those that can adapt to the rapidly changing ‘new normal’. However, it goes beyond the immediate pandemic response.
Smartification requires businesses to adopt more agile ways of working. They also need to be prepared to try new things, quickly, and invest in the people, skills and technologies that will deliver long-term business resilience.
People are key, now and in the future. As the digital revolution gathers pace, both the technology and skill requirements of fashion businesses are changing. The first webinar in the ASBCI’s Survival of the Smartest series will focus on the essential skills that will take the fashion industry forward beyond 2020.
The online debate, organised with event partner MOTIF, will take place on 2 December at 10.30am.
It will open with a scene-setting presentation by Jackie Lewis from MOTIF on the findings of MOTIF’s State of Skills in the Apparel Industry 2020 report. Featuring input from 900 professionals and 19 industry associations, the report provides vital insight into the skills and training trends within the sector. It also reflects on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on professional learning to inform business and talent development strategies.
Lewis’ presentation will be followed by a debate between a panel of experts. These include Jenny Holloway from Fashion Enter, a social enterprise specialising in training and manufacturing excellence; Kate Hills from Make it British, as well as specialist recruitment consultant Lindsay Clarke from Planet Personnel.
The panel will consider how best to identify these essential skills. Also, the importance of upskilling and investing in existing staff as well as key recruitment strategies.
ASBCI event director Dr. Julie King will be moderating the panel discussion, which is free to attend. To book your place, please click here. The Beyond 2020: Survival of the Smartest digital conference will take place in May 2021.
For further information on the ASBCI, please click here.
