Leather Education - Preserving the Past...Investing in the Future

Abstract

“Challenges facing the leather industry” commonly include environmental legislation; the need for green chemistry, traceability, ethical sourcing and the list goes on. One issue that is crucial for the sustainability of the global leather industry and is often overlooked is “succession planning”. With large cohorts of employees due for retirement between now and 2020, the demand for quality leather graduates is ever increasing, placing a heavier reliance on higher education.In this review, the history, the present and the future of leather education are explored. What has driven the transition from “chalk and talk” to delivery via virtual space? With advancedinformation technology we are also facing a changing student and today’s student does not expect to be spoon fed the facts. Today, they have ready access to information on the Internet, so classroom delivery takes on a very different approach. Modes of delivery now incorporate social media, discussion boards, blogs alongside tutorials and seminars.The ability within education to address these changing demands and an understanding of the ever-changing market pressures will support the sustainability of our high value industry.