Elisenda Jaquemot, from EADIMODA, talks about training in design and fashion
According to toElisenda Jaquemot, responsible for communication at EADIMODA, «tailor-made courses and the module system make it easier for students to specialize in what they really need».
|16.07.2019 | In our Special «Training in design and fashion», published in N.365 of Pinker Moda, we analyze in parallel the needs of the industry and the training programs of centres and universities.
We talk about it with professors and professionals from various schools and universities that offer training in design and fashion. We present below our interview with Elisenda Jaquemot, EADIMODA communication manager.
EADIMODA – Escola Atelier Disseny Fashion Barcelona
What do you think are the main problems that can cause this gap between the skills of new professionals and the demands of the sector?
The main problem would be structural unemployment since it is difficult to eradicate. For this, it is very important to identify the needs and see the possibility of implementing training programs adapted to the new profiles of the Fashion sector. These new profiles are very diverse and require people trained in different fields:
- On the one hand, there is a need for a digital profile with analytics and strategic vision that manages Big Data. This requires mathematical knowledge.
- On the other hand, a commercial profile that dominates retail and wholesale is required. For example, someone trained in ADE.
- Communication in Fashion requires professionals trained in journalism and graphic design to write and layout articles in magazines.
- Commercial and Big Data knowledge is required to specialize in Visual Merchandising.
It is also very important to master the production and logistics processes, which require knowledge in engineering, sales and ADE.
More and more students who already have a university degree and who need specializations, postgraduate or masters to access the new jobs that the sector is requesting. Thus, Fashion schools must identify the new demands and offer solutions in this regard.
New professional profiles
How do you follow the evolution of the professional profiles that the sector needs?
For EADIMODA, the indicators are diverse: the job offers that come to us and are managed through the Center’s Job Bank; direct contact with the student and their real needs; the technical novelties of the sector that we discovered in the different national and international fairs (ITMA, Retail & Brand Experience World Congress, Première Vision Paris, NEONYT Berlin, etc.); and the social aspects that affect our environment and condition the sector, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Circular Economy and Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
What new capabilities of professionals are paying attention to their training programs? We refer to digitization, sustainability, internationalization, personalization, etc.
The digital courses of Fashion, Photoshop for Designs of Prints, Illustrator for Technical Data Sheets and Digital Pattern Making are matters that interest active professionals for reasons of specialization or to be able to update their knowledge and recycle. The problem of sustainability in the sector is increasingly interesting and occupies a growing space in training.
Entry barriers
Do you consider that the high fees of private training centres represent a handicap for interested students?
At EADIMODA we have affordable prices and easy payment. In addition, the flexibility of the training system allows acquiring knowledge according to the objectives of each student. There is also the possibility of subsidizing training in the case of employed workers and taking a tailor-made course. Our system facilitates access to training.
Academic programs
We understand that you are free to trace your academic programs. Why do you find it difficult to adapt to changes and think about new professional profiles?
Identifying the needs of the sector requires time. In addition, a new training line generates economies of scale that must be evaluated and are sometimes difficult to implement.
At EADIMODA, tailor-made courses and the module system make it easier for students to specialize in what they really need. Thus, students with degrees in Advertising and Communication are trained in Technical Cards with Illustrator or in Stamping Designs with Photoshop and can opt for job offers in fashion magazines or communication in social networks of the Fashion sector.
An example of this is the case of a student who has a degree in ADE and performs the Technical Design and Pattern Course. This student has launched a platform for emerging designers who want to market their garments.
Collaboration with the industry
In what areas are the industry and the professionals of the sector willing to collaborate with you?
Currently, the day-to-day relationship is more adjusted to the work environment and work practices. Constant technological innovation will be a factor of important collaboration in the short term.
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More information on the site: edimoda.es