Chennai: “India manufactures 22 million footwear ever year and is the second largest footwear maker in the world after China. Approximately 9 per cent of the world’s footwear is manufactured in India,” said Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI) Director K Murali.
On behalf of the CFTI which operates under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Murali addressed mediapersons on Monday and explained the various career, business opportunities and, manpower demand in this field. He talked about the various courses that one can take to gain a strong foothold in the footwear making industry.
Talking about the course, he said,”The CFTI offers seven full-time courses and eight short-term courses. Out of the full-time courses, Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Footwear Technology & Management Studies (PGHD) and Diploma in Footwear Manufacture & Design (DFMD) are offered in affiliation with Leicester College in London. Students will get certificates issued by Leicester College on successful completion of the course.”
Talking about job opportunities, Murali said that those completing the courses successfully will get jobs immediately through campus placements.
“All students who have studied in CFTI in the last 10 years have been placed in top popular footwear design and manufacturing companies like VKC, TATA International, Puma and so on. Many have ventured abroad to China, Italy, Malaysia and Gulf countries for their work.”
The admission for the various full time and short time courses are open and those wishing to join can check out the website www.cftichennai.in for applications, joining procedures, eligibility criteria, etc.