The Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT), Sathyamangalam and New Zealand Institute of Fashion Technology (NZIFT) for delivering mutual benefit across education, design, manufacturing and community engagement has started not only bringing in goods results but also delivering mutual benefits.

The Indian Apparel and Textile Practicum programme’ was developed by BIT and NZIFT and Giles Brooker Education Development Services Pvt. Ltd (GBE) last year has benefitted two batches.

The first batch of 15 students last year gained insights into teaching methodology, intricacies involved in the mass production of textiles, garments, accessories and Indian value systems.

The second batch of 20 students has, this year, completed their 35-day training programme encompassing visits to various industries including spinning, weaving, processing, knitting and garments makings units. They visited Dhoddamapalayam, a manufacturing centre of hand woven silk saris, and procured the silk saris for designing and fabricating into modern western – outfits in the laboratories of Fashion Technology Department of the college.

Their creations made of silk were showcased at the fashion show - BANEWZ in the presence of fashion designers, industrialists and members of fashion fraternity on Thursday. They included the Managing Director of Chennai Silks, P.K. Aroomugam, chief guest for the occasion and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, MP from New Zealand, the guest of honour.

The New Zealand students were offered scholarships for the training at BIT where B. Tech degrees in Textile Technology and Fashion Technology are accredited for five years by NBA.

The programme served as a platform to exhibit Indians with their colour and patterns and portray New Zealand as an exciting, creative, innovative place for fashion and design.

The MoU envisages sharing of resources between NZ Fashion Tech, an accredited Institution by the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA) in the field of fashion, garments and accessories manufacturing and the BIT.