The footwear sector in India is the second-largest globally, employing over 2 million people, with a high share of MSMEs and strong export potential to over 150 countries. Major production clusters include Agra, Kanpur, Chennai, Ranipet, Ambur, and Kolkata, specializing in leather and non-leather footwear, components, and accessories. The sector is supported by initiatives like PLI Scheme, IFLDP, and Skill Development Missions, with institutions such as CFTI, FDDI, and CLRI providing technical and training support.

India’s domestic demand is growing rapidly due to rising income levels, urbanization, and fashion trends. There is also a shift towards sustainable and vegan footwear, aligned with global environmental standards.

1.Number of Footwear Manufacturing Units (as of 2024)

 

• There are 15,000 footwear manufacturing units in India, covering both leather and non-leather segments.

 

• The organized sector (modern, registered) comprises roughly 15%, i.e., ~2,250 units.

 

• The unorganized sector (small, cottage, home-based) makes up the remaining ~85%, i.e. ~12,750 units.

Pioneering Skill Development in the Footwear Industry for Over Six Decades

CFTI Chennai, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, is a premier training centre dedicated to the footwear sector and allied industries. Since its inception in 1957, the institute has been offering long-term and short-term courses in footwear technology, with its trainees successfully placed in reputed footwear industries across the globe.

CFTI Chennai offers a range of training programmes to suit different levels of expertise and career aspirations. The courses are open to students who have completed 10th, 12th Std, Diploma, and Graduatesequipping them with industry-specific skills.

• FIVE Long-Term Courses (1 to 2 years)
• One Medium-Term Course (6 Months)

To date, CFTI has trained over 2,26,000 candidates, including 150+ foreign nationals. The Institute maintains strong partnerships with multinational corporations (MNCs) and Indian manufacturers, including:

• MNCs: Pou Chen, HUALI, Fengtay, Kothari Group
• Indian Majors: Farida Group, KH Group, Tata International, VKC Group, Walkaroo, Florence

These partnerships ensure industry-aligned training, assured placement opportunities, and ongoing curriculum relevance.

With global brands such as Nike, PUMA, Adidas, Crocs, and Skechers setting up manufacturing units in South India, Tamil Nadu alone is expected to require approximately 1,35,000 skilled workers in the footwear sector during FY 2025–26 & 2026-27. Of this, nearly 10% of the demand is for techno-managerial roles, for which our long-term course trainees are ideally suited.

Recruitment drives for current batches are already underway. Over 90% of students have been placed in reputed companies such as Apache Footwear India Pvt. Ltd., KH Exports, Farida Palms, Walkaroo International, SRL International, and Sara Leathers.

Mobilisation of Candidates for Long-Term Courses:

The admission campaign was conducted at the District Collectorate Offices of Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, and Viluppuram. Space was officially requested and allotted at these offices, and the respective Collectorate Offices publicised the campaign through local newspapers to create awareness. Interested candidates were approached directly at the Collectorate premises to learn about the courses, collect application forms, and submit them for long-term courses.

As a result of the mobilisation efforts, we received approximately 550 applications for various long-term courses, out of which 235 candidates successfully enrolled for the academic year 2024–25.

A Legacy of Impact

Over the last 67 years, CFTI Chennai has created thousands of skilled professionals and first-generation entrepreneurs, playing a pivotal role in the development of India’s leather and footwear industries. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusion, the Institute continues to shape the future of India’s vocational training landscape.

S. No	Name of the Course	NSQF Level	Eligibility	Duration
1	Technical Supervisor -  Footwear Design & Manufacturing	5	12th Pass	24 Months
2	Technician - Footwear Manufacturing	3.5	10th Pass	12 Months
3	Jr. Technician- Footwear Design & Production	3	10th Pass	6 Months
4	Master Technician -  Footwear Design & Product Development	4	12th Pass	12 Months
5	Technical Supervisor – Advanced Footwear Technology	5	Any Diploma	12 Months
6	Technical Manager - Footwear Technology	6	Any Graduate	18 Months
7	Jr. Technical Supervisor – Sports Shoe Manufacturing	4.5	10th Pass	12 Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM COURSE DETAILS

These courses recently transitioned from the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to being NCVET-approved, ensuring alignment with national skill standards. The curriculum is structured with 70% workshop-based practical training and 30% classroom teaching, enabling students to gain real-world exposure alongside theoretical understanding.

     

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VL/EA/KR/DL

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