Training Module for Finishing Checkers in a Garment Factory

The training module is defined by a structured way. The objective of following a training module is to build various skills of the finishing department activities including machine operations, inspections, process follow-up, material handling, etc into the operators, checkers, auditors, etc. It can be done both at the initiation of a job as for a trainee as well as a periodical process which aims to make these gained skill into a habit.

For maximum efficiency in production, every department should follow a proper training module according to which works, and processes need to be followed. You can check out Sewing Operator Training and its Modules here. 

In the apparel industry, the finishing department is the final stage of garment manufacturing where the assembled garment is made ready for dispatch. After complete stitching is done, the sewn garments are passed through the finishing department for identification of defects, measurement check, inspection, ironing, initial folding until it is sent off to the packing section.

The finishing department should also follow a strict training module for proper training for the department. The finishing department consists of the following types of checkers:

1. Initial and final checkers
2. Measurement checkers
3. Quality control/ auditors

Training for each of them are as follows:

1. Initial checker and Final checkers

All the finishing room checkers (initial finishing checkers and final finishing checkers) must be trained in the following areas

• Sequence of checking: There should always be a proper order to check a garment to ensure a complete glance. Often the preferred direction is clockwise. The importance of the sequence checking method should be trained along with following the display of sequence as defined by the quality department.
• Defect identification of sewing defect, fabric defect, washing defect, trims defect, ironing defects: Checkers should be made aware of the possible defects in each of the categories for any upcoming style so that no confusion arises during the checking as it would only increase the WIP.
• Workers should also be made aware of the different levels of checking to make them more versatile. This includes checking for both soft press or initial checking as well as hard press or final checking.
• Checkers should be made aware of the identification of a pass or defective garment.
• Traceability: Since for a particular style more than one checkers are diploid, tracking the person responsible for passing a failed garment becomes difficult. For that checker's code is used in which every checker is given a unique number in the form of stickers that they attach after checking is done. So, workers should be made aware of the responsibility of their checking and proper use of checkers code throughout every checking point in the garment.
• Awareness about the importance of daily self-cleaning of the workplace. This includes proper cleaning procedures, organizing procedures and ways to sustain the changes. Also, awareness of clean aisles around workstations should be created among workers.

2. Measurement checkers:

All the measurement checkers must be trained in the following areas.

• Training on taking proper measurements is a must. Most of the measurements are buyer/ style specific and are taken reference from the specification sheet.
• Checkers should be made aware of the measurement tape calibrations schedule and replacements.
• Checkers are to made aware of the actions taken on garments whose measurements are out of tolerance.

3. Quality Control and Quality Auditors:

When preparing training material for the quality controllers and auditors, consider the following. 

• Quality inspectors should be made aware of AQL and flexibility in inspection on buyer-specific comments on different styles.
• Checkers are to be made aware of the various trims and accessories most importantly the criticality of size levels, wash care levels, price tags, etc. This includes the compatibility of the various tags in a single garment.
• Inspectors should be made aware of the WIP monitoring in the lines and manage the inspection accordingly.

Related post: Common functions of the finishing department in a garment factory. 

Conclusion

This article briefly explained things that you need to cover in finishing workers training program. With the help of this tips, you can design and develop a complete and structured training program, including exercise activities, presentation for the workshop and check list for assessing the learning of all participants. Company can provide training completion certificate for all participants. If needed, company can hire external experts for conducting training program.