TEXTILES.ORG
Instead of spending spring break on a beach, textiles students from North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and West Virginia University participated in the inaugural Spring Break Textiles Trek, visiting nearby companies for tours and networking—and seeing textile manufacturing on a real-world scale.
The idea and sponsorship for the event came from Amy Bircher Bruyn, owner of MMI Textiles, with plans taking shape last summer. She is also a past chairman of the board of Advanced Textiles Association.
“The Spring Break Textiles Trek came together as a way to give students a hands‑on look at the breadth of the textiles industry,” Bircher Bruyn says. “We wanted them to see real production environments, meet the people behind the products and understand how innovation, design and manufacturing intersect.”
She continues, “The experience exceeded our expectations. Students were highly engaged, asked thoughtful questions and came away with a much clearer picture of the variety of career paths available in textiles.”
The students toured TS Designs and Glen Raven in Burlington, N.C., then headed to Greensboro, N.C., where they visited Cone Denim, Karl Mayer and UNIFI®.
“Programs like this are essential because not only do they give students a firsthand look at the breadth of career opportunities in textiles, but they also allow companies like ours to help shape, inspire and ultimately strengthen the workforce of tomorrow,” says Eddie Ingle, CEO of UNIFI. “Investing time with students is one of the most impactful ways we can ensure continued innovation and leadership across our industry.”
“I really enjoyed the Trek,” says Andrea Lee, a graduate student in textile engineering. “I was able to visit different companies and see the weaving and manufacturing processes, connect with people in person and build my network. Overall, I had a great time also meeting the MMI employees and students from WVU as well. I would recommend this trip to other students in the future.”
More than 50 NC State students filled out the interest form to be among the 10 NC State and seven WVU students randomly selected for the trip (with juniors, seniors and graduate students given priority). The event’s transportation, meals and lodging were provided at no cost to the students.
“Overall, it was energizing for everyone involved, and we’re excited about building on this momentum for future Treks,” Bircher Bruyn says.
Companies in the region who would like to be a part of next year’s Trek can contact Jeff Sackaroff, director of career services at the Wilson College of Textiles.