Direct training at isaic

ISAIC's Industrial Sewing and Production Program is on of our most successful initiatives. Courses in this program are the only nationally-recognized, standardized courses of their kind in the nation and considered by many as the gold star in training of industrial sewing fundamentals.

Curriculum development was led by Deborah Vandermar, a recognized industry expert and educator, and co-author of the widely used textbook “Beyond Design,” along with a consortium of industry partners.

ISAIC offers its Industrial Sewing and Production Program courses to meet a diverse set of needs:

People interested in pursuing full-time careers in textile and apparel manufacturing.
People seeking pre-qualification for a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship that ISAIC or our employer partners offer.
Fashion entrepreneurs looking to deepen their technical skills and understand manufacturing.

Hear from graduates

VERONICA

After finishing the ISAIC Related Technical Instruction Class (RTI) at the ISAIC factory in Detroit, this student shares why ISAIC is important to the industry and Detroit.

deirdre

This student shares what she learned from ISAIC's Related Technical Instruction Class (RTI) at the ISAIC factory in Detroit.

Shadeola

After finishing the ISAIC Related Technical Instruction Class (RTI) at the ISAIC factory in Detroit, this student shares what she enjoyed about the class.

Hydeia

After finishing the ISAIC Related Technical Instruction Class (RTI) at the ISAIC factory in Detroit, this student shares why this experience was important to her.

see

Community program and courses

For more details

courses

INDUSTRIAL SEWING AND PRODUCTION –

FUNDAMENTALS COURSE

Our proprietary Fundamentals Course is foundational training for people interested in pursuing industrial apparel and textile manufacturing careers. Open to people of all experience levels, the course offers 192 hours of training on single needle lockstitch, coverstitch, and serger machines, along with learning the basics of manufacturing principles and technical documents. The training also includes hands-on practice working on different textiles. The course was developed in response to growing demand from industry for a standardized curriculum to serve as a foundation for industrial sewists across many sectors, from apparel, to automotive, interiors, and beyond. The course serves as a prequalification for a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship. ISAIC also offers this course to entreprenuers but on a limited basis.

Classes are taught in ISAIC’s Detroit-based Classroom and Open Lab.

upcoming classes

Resuming in 2026

ELIGIBLITY

To apply, please complete online application. Details and grants and scholarship opportunities will be provided to qualified candidates.

coming soon

Inquiries

education@isaic.org

Our Basics course is a fast-track version of our Fundamentals course for people interested in pursuing industrial textile manufacturing careers. Open to people of all experience levels, the course offers 65 hours of training on machine basics for single needle lockstitch, coverstitch, and serger machines along with exposure to the basics of manufacturing principles and technical documents. The training also includes hands-on practice working on different textiles. ISAIC also offers this course to entrepreneurs but on a limited basis.