OTTAWA, September 15, 2004 -- Earlier today, Textile Training Through Technology® was announced a winner of the Canadian Award for Training Excellence in the External E-Learning Training Program category by the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD).

Textile Training Through Technology® is a comprehensive workforce development system of state-of-the-art textile manufacturing, technical and essential skills, as well as personal and business performance programs. Incorporating a blended training solution combining computer-based programs with peer coaches and mentors, the programs are a flexible and cost-effective way to reach all employees in the Canadian textile industry - from shop floor workers to senior management - as well as suppliers and educational institutions.

"In today's textile workplace, obstacles to skills development include production schedules and distance from major learning centres. Domestic and international trade policies and market access constraints also pose challenges," said Pierre Jean Olivier, a National Representative of the United Food and Commercial Workers Canada and co-chair of the Textiles Human Resources Council. "The computer-based format of [Textile Training Through Technology® programs] provides ready access for all employees to learn at their own pace, complementing the traditional training methods used in the industry."

The CSTD was established in 1946 in Ontario and expanded to become a national organization in the past year. They currently have 1700 members across Canada, 70% of which are corporations with interest in eLearning, standards and certification, performance improvement and return on investment for training programs.

The CSTD received 35 entries for this year's awards. Other winners, in various categories, include the City of Toronto, CIBC and IBM.

Textile Training Through Technology® programs were developed by the Textiles Human Resources Council, based on content from textile companies and leading Canadian and international educational institutions. Personal development and business skills courses are offered in collaboration with Thomson Learning and top business schools, including Harvard Business School Publishing and Cardean University, a consortium of five of the leading international business schools.

The Textiles Human Resources Council (THRC) is a non-profit, sectoral partnership created in 1994 in recognition of the overriding importance of human resources development to international competitiveness. Its role is to develop innovative skills solutions that respond to established and emerging needs. Comprehensive paid membership includes textile manufacturers, as well as suppliers, apparel firms and textile-related organizations and associations.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Watts-Rynard
Manager of Communications
Textiles Human Resources Council
613.230.7217 ext. 304