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Sustainability Standards Compliance in the Textile and Apparel Sector

Training of Trainers/Consultants

We are pleased to announce the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Sustainability Standards Compliance, aimed at empowering textile and apparel SMEs to align with international sustainability standards and enhance their competitiveness in global markets. This ToT is a key initiative of the “Building Sustainable Apparel and Agribusiness Value Chains in Armenia” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre, and will be conducted in close collaboration with the EBRD’s Advice for Small Businesses in Armenia Project.

 About the Program:

The 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Sustainability Standards Compliance aims to build local expertise by equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable production practices. This program will empower participants to guide SMEs in the textile and apparel sector towards meeting sustainability standards, navigating EU regulations and enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.

Key Themes:

Day 1: Introduction to Sustainability in the Textile and Apparel Sector

  • Key sustainability issues in the sector.
  • Responsible sourcing practices.
  • Sustainability-related regulations in the EU and elsewhere, including due diligence principles.
  • Overview of sector initiatives and private company practices.
  • Introduction to sustainability standards (e.g., BSCI, Sedex SMETA, WRAP) and ITC Standards Map tool.
  • Resource efficiency and circular economy principles.

Day 2: ITC Methodology on SME Compliance with Sustainability Standards

  • Gap assessment and sustainability diagnostics.
  • Developing actionable plans to address compliance gaps.
  • Cost and benefit analysis of sustainability interventions.
  • Overview of audit and certification processes.
  • Case studies and group work for practical application.

Day 3: Practical application

  • Company visit and gap assessment exercise.
  • Preparation of a sample Action Plan.

Expected Outcomes: Upon completing the training, participants will gain:

  • A comprehensive understanding of key sustainability challenges and responsible sourcing practices.
  • The ability to navigate sustainability standards, their requirements, and audit procedures effectively.
  • Knowledge of resource efficiency and circular economy principles in the textile and apparel sector.
  • Skills to support SMEs in achieving compliance with sustainability standards using ITC’s proven methodology.
  • Expertise in conducting gap assessments and developing actionable plans to address compliance requirements.

Language of the training: English

Target Audience and participation procedure:

Participation in this Training of Trainers (ToT) is limited, and priority will be given to trainers and consultants who best meet the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

  • Familiarity with good social and labour practices.
  • Quality management consultancy
  • Intermediate or higher proficiency in English, as the training will be conducted in English.

Preferred Criteria

  • Hands-on experience with companies or organizations in the textile and apparel sector.
  • Experience in sourcing, production, product development, or implementing sustainable practices in the textile and apparel industry.
  • Background in developing and delivering training programs.

If you are interested in participating in this initiative and meet the above requirements, please complete the following: Application Form   

We encourage early applications as places are limited!!

When and where? The ToT program will take place in April/May 2025, Yerevan,  with the exact dates and location to be confirmed.

Application deadline: February 28, 2025

About the International Trade Center (ITC): www.intracen.org

The International Trade Center      is a joint development agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC promotes the competitiveness of   SMEs   in developing and transition countries and supports inclusive trade as a means of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

About “Building Sustainable Apparel and Agribusiness Value Chains in Armenia” project:

The “Building Sustainable Apparel and Agribusiness Value Chains in Armenia” project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Center and in close coordination with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

The assistance addresses a strategic priority in Armenia – enhancing value addition and achieving a more diversified export basket in products and markets. Emphasis of the Project is on expanding trade links and seizing unexploited distribution channels, such as e-commerce.

Building Sustainable Apparel and Agribusiness Value Chains in Armenia (eu4business.am)

For more information, please contact:

Lilit Apujanyan
National Project Manager in Armenia
E-mail: lapujanyan@intracen.org  
Phone: +37495110880