The textile and garment industry has had many layoffs (PHK) due to being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and the threat of a global crisis as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even so, the textile and garment industry in Soloraya absorbs the most workers. Therefore, the Solo Vocational and Productivity Training Center (BPVP) continues to boost various training, empowerment and workforce certification. The demand for workers in the textile and garment industry is quite large in Soloraya. There are many textile and garment factories in several areas in Soloraya such as Boyolali, Sukoharjo and Karanganyar Regencies. Textile and garment factories require thousands of workers in the production process every day.

BPVP Solo Vocational Training Implementation Sub-Coordinating Officer, Rusmiyanto, said the textile and garment industry is the main pillar of regional economic growth in Soloraya. Of course, the workforce needed by the textile and garment industry is quite large.

“The highest labor absorption is in the textile and garment industry. There are many textile and garment factories in Soloraya. The need for labor in other industrial sectors is also quite large, but not as much as textiles and garments," he said, Tuesday (9/5/2023).

Iyan, as he is affectionately known, said that BPVP Solo also collaborated with textile and garment companies in the vocational training program. In fact, it is not uncommon for the management of textile and garment companies to be directly involved in the training process. They want to recruit prospective workers who really have the skills and competence in their field.

The demand for labor in the textile and garment industry was quite high before the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, many textile and garment companies reduced their production activities due to the lack of order requests from buyers. Hopefully, now they are back in action and recruiting prospective employees," he said.

Iyan revealed that more than 1,000 people will be participants in the Competency-Based Training (PBK) program throughout 2022. They will take part in the PBK program according to their talents and interests covering 12 vocational areas.

Starting from customer service, electric power installation, sewing clothes to computer assembly. "This year's target is more or less the same. Around 1,000 people until the end of 2023. We have held two PBK programs, the third program will be in June."

Meanwhile, Head of the Solo Manpower Service (Disnaker), Widyastuti Pratiwiningsih, said the government's job is to facilitate companies and workers who need each other. The company needs workers who are competent in their fields. Meanwhile, workers need work to maintain their survival.

He also always coordinates with BPVP Solo to carry out workforce training programs. "Manpower training is carried out to increase capacity and competitiveness according to market needs," he said.