TS Grad: Laura JohnsEmployer: Forzani Group; Intersport Division
Position Title: Merchandise Clerk
Work Description:
The merchandise clerk position is entry level with plenty of potential for growth. This position has given me the opportunity to develop an overall understanding of how this division works within Forzani Group and foresight into my desired career path. I have certain responsibilities I carry out on daily/weekly basis; however, my days are always varied. This is not a monotonous job! Some daily responsibilities I have are:
• Creating/confirming purchase orders
• Communicating with overseas vendors
• Shipping and receiving
• Data entry on Excel
• Tracking shipments to ensure timely deliveries
Some other tasks I’ve been responsible for are:
• Photographing samples
• Preparing Power Point presentations of photographed samples
• Cataloguing/sorting/organizing outerwear/textiles showrooms
• Analyzing lab dips
• Preparing fabric swatches
• Creating colour rings for presentations to buyers
Great attention to detail is required for this position. So much as a missed number could result in all kinds of problems. However, this is a team environment and everyone is available to help and support when needed. It’s the textiles industry, so it can be very quick paced at times, but this is what keeps things exciting and intriguing!
TS Grad: Brooklyn Jones
Employers Name: Warehouse One the Jean Store
Position Title: Assistant Buyer Ladies Fashion
Work Description:
I joined Warehouse One after working 8 months part-time for Nygard Intl. as an Merchandising Assistant. The experience of working part-time while in school was a huge asset in attaining this position and very relevant to the skills and assets required. As an Assistant Buyer, I am responsible for day-to-day communication with over 20 vendors that produce the clothing sold at WH1. I create SDS (Style Development Sheets), writes purchase orders, approves lab-dips, trims and follows up with vendors to insure that the correct product arrives at the right place at the right time. I sit in on fittings for garments produced in WH1 standard sizes. Take notes and photograph garments at vendor sales presentations. I am responsible for tracking wash test, fit, and photo-shoot samples. I also help out at flyer and website photo-shoots helping ensure models are wearing the correct garments and facilitating that the shoot runs smoothly & without delays by running errands, steaming garments, etc. I use excel to track bestselling styles and create “Delivery Date” reports for my Buyer and Planner. I create trend boards to present at think tanks and help the buying team formulate ideas for new or emerging trends and stay on track while planning for upcoming seasons. I find the job both rewarding and challenging. The industry is very fast-paced and presents different problems every day - an assistant buyer must think on her feet and be a quick problem solver. It is essential to be well organized and have good communication skills.
TS Grad: Catherine Andersson
Employer: Heath Canada
Position Title: Flammability Section Head, Product Safety Laboratory
Work Description:
As the Head of the Flammability Section at the Product Safety Laboratory, I manage the work of eight scientific professionals who conduct evaluations and investigations in the field of flammability to determine hazards in consumer products under the Hazardous Products Act. To this end, I am responsible for leading the development of new test methods, and approving project plans and reports of analysis generated by the Section. The Section also provides scientific advice and training in Flammability test procedures to Health Canada stakeholders.
TS Grad: Anonymous
Employer’s Name: Bodycote Testing Group
Position Title: Technologist - Textiles
Work Description:
This graduate of the program performs various physical and chemical tests on textile products as per clients’ request. He collects and analyzes test results and writes lab reports. Various tests include fibre analysis, fabric construction, laundering ability, colour measurement, tensile strength, and performance properties such as waterproof and vapor transmission (breath ability). Both standard test methods (e.g. CGSB, ISO, ASTM and AATCC) and in-house test methods are used. Clients include manufacturers, retailers, government departments and importers. The testing products include yarns, fabrics, garments, home fashions, upholsteries, carpets, geo-textiles, automotive textiles and industrial filters. Sometimes he conducts investigations on defect products to find out the cause of the problem.
TS Grad: Anonymous
Employer: Lululemon Athletica
Position Title: Product Developer
Work Description:
As a product developer, this graduate works closely with her product development team in executing a variety of decisions that result in the delivery of seasonal apparel lines for the yoga wear market. A day in the life of a product developer includes communicating with design personnel to arrive at style decisions; gathering and sending technical color data to fabric mills for fabric procurement; making sure that the apparel lines meet company’s specifications for construction and fit; and, making sure that the apparel lines meet the company’s cost goals. Other duties include communicating with sourcing team to arrive at an appropriate sourcing strategy. As apparel product development is a very dynamic field of work, keeping abreast of current technological developments in apparel manufacturing methods and systems, textile innovations, and color management practices are essential to successful product development.