Today, a large number of garment production units have modern assembly lines, where work is being done at a very fast speed using state-of-the-art technology. So, trained people are required to cater to the techno-managerial requirements of the fashion industry. Apparel manufacturers are ready to pay handsome salaries to professionals who excel in understanding and integrating the areas of production and management. No wonder that GMT has become a much sought after course, especially for those who have a technical or engineering background.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, conducts a two-year postgraduate diploma programme in GMT. The five other centres of NIFT at Chennai, Mumbai, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Gandhinagar also offer this course. Graduates who have secured at least 50 per cent marks in their graduation (45 per cent for SC/ST) can apply. Candidates appearing in their final year examinations can also apply subject to their securing the qualifying marks. Admission to the course is strictly on merit basis as assessed in the entrance examination, which is conducted in three parts--written test, situation test (case study) and group discussion/ interview. The written paper is divided into two parts--general ability test (GAT) and mental ability test (MAT). GAT is formulated in such a way as to check the quantitative ability, communication ability, English vocabulary and analytical ability of an applicant. MAT includes questions on environment awareness, logical ability and `Vikalpa' i.e. choosing the best option.

In order to qualify for the situation test and interview, the candidates have toobtain a minimum qualifying marks in the written examination. The final selections are made on the basis of the over-all performance of the candidate. Under its continuing education programmes, NIFT also conducts a one year certificate course in production technology. This course already provides an opportunity to people who are already working in the garment industry to enhance their knowledge in the area of apparel manufacturing.Besides NIFT, which is a government-run organisation, there are several private establishments conducting courses in GMT. One can study at the Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi, which offers a one-year diploma programme in apparel production technology. IEC, School of Art and Fashion and International Institute of Fashion Technology also conduct one year diploma courses. Then one can train at Wigan Fashion School which offers a six month course in pattern making and production management.

A student of GMT has to work hard as the course is vast. From apparel construction methodsand industrial psychology to textile science and business communications, many subjects are taught to the student.

Then one has to study certain skill-oriented subjects like garment construction, industrial pattern making, pattern engineering, draping and grading.

The management subjects are also very important. ``International finance, managerial economics, production planning and control, principles of accounting and personnel management are some of the subjects which we studied during the course,'' says Sneh Tyagi, a diploma holder in GMT.

Students are also introduced to computer aided design as many interesting software packages relating to this field are now available.

At NIFT, students are trained in advance computer applications in garment manufacturing including computer-aided-design. One also learns computer application in production planning.

Projects are an integral part of the GMT courses. They represent an attempt to apply in practice the theoretical input received in a subject.According to Neena Khanna, director, Academy of Fashion Studies, ``The projects involve extensive surveys, industrial visits and research work. So, the students get wide ranging and substantial knowledge on the various aspects of the garment business.''

After completing a substantial part of the course, students of GMT do their internship at garment manufacturing units for a period of one-two months. The internship provides the students the opportunity to deal with problems and situations arising on the shop-floor. This way, students also get introduced to the environment and culture of the industry.

The content of GMT courses prepare students for careers in middle management levels in the garment manufacturing industry. The graduates can work in units having modern assembly lines, and at the same time they are also capable of managing the tailor based units. In the garment manufacturing firms, one joins as a production manager. ``The job is to estimate production costs, schedule the flow of work, hireand train workers, and supervise all other activities which take place in the production department,'' says Kapil Jain, who is working as an assistant production manager in an export house.

One can also find employment in boutiques and with established designers. Starting salaries in this line range from Rs 5,000 onward. With the successful completion of the probation period, one starts getting higher salaries. ``Professionals can earn above Rs 30,000, as they advance into senior positions,'' says Jain.

Teaching jobs in institutes and polytechnics is another option especially for those who are academically inclined. But then the candidate should be highly qualified and have considerable working experience in the industry. Many who want to work in the area of research or as consultants, go abroad for higher education, as it means brighter prospects.

The rapidly expanding exports and domestic market for readymade garment is providing great opportunities for professional entrepreneurs. This option requiresinvestment in terms of finance and a good organisational set-up. Here, prior experience of working in an established unit comes in handy. The fact that the industry has many people who have made their mark in a very short time, has inspired many professionals to plunge into business.