University of North Carolina students are getting schooled in innovation with experts right in their own backyard.
VF Corp. announced that its Jeanswear division is collaborating with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to bring 3D design technology to the school’s Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies to help prepare students for careers in the apparel and retail industries. VF’s Jeanswear business includes its Wrangler and Lee brands.
The partnership aims to ensure that students entering the workforce are proficient in the use of 3D technology and related software. The software enables patternmakers and designers allows garments to be made in a few hours, as opposed to the weeks it takes to make physical samples.
“As an employer of UNCG graduates, we saw the opportunity to help students advance their career opportunities by equipping them with new apparel technology skills to be used from initial design through manufacturing, merchandising, marketing and consumers’ shopping experiences,” said Phil McAdams, President of VF’s Jeanswear coalition. “In turn, VF maintains a pipeline of work-ready, young professionals who are able to make an immediate contribution to our business when hired.”
UNCG’s Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies comprises more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students. The school will integrate the 3D software into its curriculum, and students will begin using the technology in the Fall 2017 semester.
