Apprenticeships in sewing bring a unique career pathway

Guest Author, Linnca Stevens, Operations Manager / Co Founder, The Sewing Labs

I recently read a book titled “Shop Class as Soulcraft: An inquiry into the Value of Work” by
Matthew Crawford. This book explores the differences between office work and manual work
and argues that blue- collar professions are worth pursuing as a career path. (which we already
know) Matthew is a motorcycle mechanic by choice and his wise and often humorous
philosophy really made me ponder and appreciate that I have chosen sewing as a hand-driven
occupation to sustain me. He questions why manual work “has suffered such a devaluation as
a component of education.” And how “the potential for human flourishing in the manual trades”
… gives us rich cognitive challenges and psychic nourishment.”

As I connect with employers and supporters of the field of Industrial Sewing, I share that sewing
is an automation proof industry (almost). Sewist’s cannot be replaced in the job market because
robotics cannot handle the limp textiles. While technology continues to try to replace the
humans we know the work we do with our hands forms us. “”It is by having hands that man is
the most intelligent of animals” Anaxagoras – ancient philosopher.

The mission of The Sewing Labs (TSL); to be an inclusive and welcoming community teaching
the legacy of sewing for employment, entrepreneurship and enrichment. The TSL community is
where individuals are nurtured and empowered through the Legacy of Sewing as they strive
towards emotional and financial dignity!

As a Registered Apprenticeship host and Related Training Instructor approved by the United States
Department of Labor, TSL focuses on individuals from underserved communities
but serves all persons in our community. We are preparing a pipeline of stitchers for our greater
Kansas City community. This pipeline starts with the individual where they are and connects
them to training at The Sewing Labs and then moves them into paid Apprenticeships with local
employer partners within the Kansas City and surrounding communities. The TSL Sewing
Salon training prepares the sewists with the universal fundamental skills and knowledge of
sewing within the 30 week program which opens the opportunity for a variety of career choices.
While clothing manufacturers were the first to utilize sewing machines, today the sewing
machine has advanced and developed to include programmable and automated sewing with
touch screens and Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems. This is where IT meets sewing. It’s
not your grandma’s sewing machine anymore!

As I often state “We all wear clothes, so someone must sew them” … but don’t limit sewing to
just garment construction. TSL has requests for sewists from a variety of employers; fashion
and custom clothiers, product inventors to garment repair and alterations to theatrical costuming
and stage supply. Upholstery for home, commercial seating & awning and within the automotive
and marine industries. We value our On The Job Apprenticeship employer partners of;
Alterations Custom Sewing, Sandlot Goods, Fabriquilt, Weave Gotcha Covered! And
Sacred Stitches. (we welcome more employer partners) In Kansas City we also have nationally
known companies such as Tempur Sealy, Serta Simmons, Knit Rite, Hanes, David’s Bridal,
URBN and more. The opportunities don’t stop there, with many, many local companies using
sewists.

The occupations of Industrial Sewing Machine Operators have many factors that support the
underserved populations. Companies offer full time and part time positions, flexible hours and
full benefits. There are union and non-union houses, subcontractors and remote occupations.
This industry actively supports individuals with a wide array of backgrounds. These fundamental
skills and knowledge are universal; the individual sewists can easily transfer between industries
and companies.

Currently, the marketplace needs to improve the valuation of the skills required of an Industrial
Sewing Machine Operator as many workers only make minimum wage. Industrial sewing
machine operators from the TSL Apprenticeship program have put in over 20 months and
2200+ hours into their training. This equates to obtaining an Associates Degree of College. We
know that in order to create sustainable and lasting change we need to place a greater
emphasis on the skills of the individual and improve the equity and diversity in the workplace
culture. Skills are as important as college degrees. Apprenticeships give all individuals the
opportunity to advance their skills, gain financial & emotional dignity and become independent
without the price tag of tuition.

Please consider sharing this information with audiences that you feel would benefit from and
support this cause. Learn more about The Sewing Labs, Sewing Salon Training program by
contacting me at linnca@thesewinglabs.community or call 816-888-3051.

Thank you to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for advancing the conversation… and the
cloth continues.