Industrial Sewing Pilot Program Threads Its Way Forward

Industrial Sewing Program student at PODER Emma practices threading her machine during class. 

Before Hurricane Helene, our partners at PODER Emma had a vision: to launch an industrial sewing class that could help community members gain new skills and access stable, well-paying work. When the storm hit, that vision paused and PODER Emma turned their energy toward disaster relief, transforming their warehouse space into a hub for supplies, support, and healing.

Now, that dream is back in motion. With support from TIC, including loaned sewing machines and startup funding support from the Families & Workers Fund, PODER Emma has officially launched its pilot industrial sewing class in Asheville. The class, led by instructor Alan (a graduate of TIC’s own Industrial Sewing Program), and co-instructor Esperanza, offers 80 hours of instruction over three months and a flexible schedule for working adults—Saturdays and Tuesday/Thursday evenings.

This program is offered entirely in Spanish, with scholarships available to ensure it’s accessible to everyone. TIC recently hosted a "Train-the-Trainer" session at PODER Emma to grow the network of instructors and expand sewing education throughout the region. These trained instructors are now bringing their skills into the classroom, sharing their knowledge, and helping the program grow.

Building on this momentum, TIC will launch a similar model at our own Hopewell Rd. campus in February 2026, offering Saturday and evening classes in English. Together, initiatives like these are stitching together a stronger, more inclusive sewn goods ecosystem across Western North Carolina, from Asheville to Burke County and beyond.