34,117 people participated in upskilling or reskilling activities in 2025, while 692 training programmes were developed and another 241 updated under the TCLF Skills Alliance
BRUSSELS — Europe’s textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industries are building a more structured approach to workforce development, with the latest progress data showing thousands of workers entering training programmes and a growing network of companies, educators and public-sector organisations involved in skills development.
According to the 2025 TCLF Skills Alliance Progress Report, 34,117 people took part in upskilling or reskilling activities during the year. The Alliance also recorded 692 newly developed training programmes and 241 programmes updated, while 1,255 stakeholders joined skills partnerships or networks. The TCLF Skills Alliance had 216 members in 2025.
The figures are significant because the European TCLF sector is undergoing simultaneous technological, environmental and business-model changes. The Alliance identifies technical, advanced digital and green skills as key priorities as companies adapt to the green and digital transitions.
From individual courses to an industry-wide skills system
A central feature of the initiative is the attempt to move skills development beyond isolated company training. Coordinated by EURATEX, CEC and COTANCE, the TCLF Skills Alliance operates under the
