Common Competencies

The ASEAN Federation of Textile Industries (AFTEX) has approved common competencies for five textile and garment industry job positions and is piloting a scheme for certifying workers in those positions. The five positions selected for the ASEAN Common Competency Program (ACCP) are sewing machine operator, sewing machine mechanic, sewing machine supervisor, merchandiser, and pattern maker. 

This is the first time that a region has adopted common competencies for the industry and a milestone in the integration of ASEAN’s textile and garment sector. Region-wide competencies will further sector integration by ensuring that workers meet standard performance expectations. Factories offering the program to workers or hiring ACCP graduates will know what to expect of them. Certified workers will have portable skills empowering them to seek out the best opportunities.