New Delhi: Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC), the training wing of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), has tied up with 77 apparel manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu for a World Bank funded skilling project.”We have received support letters from 77 factories based in Tirupur and Chennai apparel cluster for World Bank funded Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project,” AEPC and ATDC Chairman Dr A Sakthivel said.While AEPC, having more than 8,000 apparel exporters as members, has applied for the project, ATDC will impart the three-month classroom training to 240 apprentices in five different courses followed by a 12-month on-the-job training under the mandatory Apprenticeship Scheme in partner factories.”This is a win-win for both industry and workers. Courses were designed after consulting the industry so that they can have an upgraded workforce. While the apprentices will earn a stipend of Rs 4,500 to Rs 9,000 per month during the 12-month training period, they stand a good chance to get absorbed in the same factory,” Dr Sakthivel said.STRIVE is a World Bank funded project