With dramatic technological and environmental change affecting the dyeing and finishing professions, a need for workplace training and certification for industry personnel was identified in 2001.

The Textile Dyeing and Finishing Specialist Program will incorporate a bilingual, computer-based training program for dyers and finishers with essential skills development and health, safety and environmental training. It is expected that this program will provide industry-wide training standards for the dyeing and finishing occupations, with learners being certified upon completion.

This program will fulfill a wide range of industry needs. Based on occupational analyses for these key occupations, the program will ease skilled worker shortages in the dyeing and finishing professions and contribute to a sustained learning environment at textile facilities. The training will also ensure appropriate and current health, safety and environmental information is well-established in these occupations.