ISAIC - Fashioning the Future

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When Detroiters think of manufacturing in their hometown, they typically think of the automotive industry. But a new non-profit located in Midtown aims to put Detroit on the map as a hub for fashion manufacturing. “There have been aspirations for years to bring fashion manufacturing to Detroit, but we were missing qualified people,” explains Jennifer Guarino, CEO of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC). “We’re removing that barrier through training and apprenticeships for aspiring industrial sewers and .management fellowships.” ISAIC is a national institute of excellence for the sewn trades. Woven into the program are educational opportunities to build a skilled and qualified workforce of sewers in Detroit. In conjunction with Henry Ford College, ISAIC prepares students through a course in basic sewing skills. “They can take their credits and move on to a four-year college, or join ISAIC as an apprentice or entry-level sewer,”
explains Guarino. Apprenticeships offer paid, on-the-job training. Entry-level jobs are open to those who have more skills and are ready to start work. “Both opportunities pay a living salary,” says Guarino. “Apprentices
earn $24,000 annually, and new sewers earn $30,000. Fellowships are designed for women of color interested
in management positions. All positions include 100 percent employer paid health insurance and paid time off.” ISAIC’s factory is located at 5800 Cass, above the Carhartt store. “Carhartt donated the space and paid for a complete build-out, remodeling and equipment,” reveals Guarino. A public grand opening event is
scheduled for April. The brand-new space is open and inviting, surrounding staff with skylights, windows and green plants. Tours, monthly workshops, and a speaker series will continue to bring people in to learn about the organization. Manufacturing will begin with knit products and expand to include additional types of apparel. “We’re doing this in a totally different way — Detroit style,” says Guarino. “It’s the only program of its kind in the nation, focused on preparing this workforce with the latest technology, equipment and processes. We’re focused on building what the industry needs, and offering it right here in Detroit.” Grosse Pointe’s Valade family is helping lead this charge with Gretchen Rose Valade serving on ISAIC’s board of trustees and Carhartt donating space Middle, ISAIC factory, to be opened in April on Carhartt’s third floor; bottom, ISAIC CEO Jennifer Guarino at Henry Ford College above its flagship Detroit store for the factory (with funds for completing the buildout), while longtime Grosse Pointer Ann Fitzpatrick was recruited to head up marketing and communications. ISAIC is the result of more than a dozen partnerships, including Detroit Denim, Carhartt and the City of Detroit. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.isaic.org

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