Chennai: India's footwear sector, the second-largest globally, is witnessing rapid growth driven by increasing domestic demand, rising incomes, and evolving fashion preferences, including a shift towards sustainable and vegan products.

With over 15,000 manufacturing units, including leather and non-leather segments, the sector provides employment to more than 2 million people. Around 85 per cent of these units fall under the unorganised sector, while the remaining 15 per cent comprise modern, registered industries.

Major production hubs include Agra, Kanpur, Chennai, Ranipet, Ambur, and Kolkata. The government supports the sector through initiatives like the PLI Scheme, Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP), and Skill Development Missions. Technical training is provided by institutions such as the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI), and CSIR-CLRI.

CFTI Chennai, functioning under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, has been a pioneer in footwear training since 1957. The institute offers long-term and short-term courses in footwear technology and has trained over 2.26 lakh candidates, including more than 150 foreign nationals.

Currently, the institute runs five long-term and one medium-term course, aligned with NCVET standards and the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). Courses include a blend of 70 per cent hands-on training and 30 per cent classroom instruction.

Global brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Skechers have set up manufacturing bases in South India. Tamil Nadu alone is expected to require around 1.35 lakh skilled workers in FY 2025-26 and 2026-27, with about 10 per cent of the demand in techno-managerial roles.

Campus recruitment for the current batch is underway, with over 90 per cent of students already placed in companies such as KH Exports, Apache Footwear India, Walkaroo International, Farida Palms, SRL International, and Sara Leathers.

A recent outreach drive by CFTI in Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, and Viluppuram districts led to the enrolment of 235 candidates for the academic year 2024-25. Officials said about 550 applications were received through the campaign, which was supported by district administrations.

CFTI continues to play a vital role in nurturing skilled professionals and first-generation entrepreneurs, significantly contributing to the growth of India's footwear and leather industries.