In recent years, Myanmar has become one of the new garment sourcing markets in Asia. Improving social and environmental standards are crucial for a sustainable growth of the industry. Furthermore, the training of workers is very important to to overcome the lack of a skilled workforce and to attract buyers.
At the beginning of the project, training lines and a theoretical training center were set up to provide practical training and theoretical workshops for workers and externals. More than 150 workers and 20 trainers were trained.
A Status Quo Analysis (SQA) was conducted to identify the scope for improvement of two suppliers. Based on the SQA, Corrective Action Plans were compiled to reach the SA8000, ISO 14000 and DOWNPASS standard. The suppliers received regular follow-up visits with on-site coaching and joined workshops at the training center. Policies, procedures and handbooks were compiled to ensure a long-lasting improvement.
Within the project, social and environmental standards in Myanmar’s garment industry were enhanced and suppliers trained in production planning and quality management systems. Through the project, the absenteeism rate went down by 54%, worker representatives have been elected, and the time for fire drills has been cut by half.
