Hawassa University
A Report on Internship at
TAL Apparel
Submitted by:
Supervisor:
Submission Date
Declaration
I, ________________ a fourth year Garment engineering student have undertaken my internship
Experience in TAL Apparel. From a period of ______to _______ under the guidance of
___________ (Academic adviser) and _______________ (Company adviser)
I certify that my work is original and compiled according to the internship report writing
guideline given by the Institute-Industry Linkage office of the Institute.
As a student my work is not copy paste, and I certify that this work is only concerned in my
knowledge.
_______________________ ______________ _____________
Name of the academic advisor Signature Date
____________________ ______________ _______________
Name of student Signature Date
Acknowledgments
Before and above all, I would like to thank GOD for making me healthy and happy in order to
carry out this project in his power I finish this project. After that my grateful thank goes to my
academic advisor for his support and encouragement while doing the project. He helped me to
acquire lots of knowledge and skills during my period in TAL Apparell. All I learnt from
company and the project are value adding for my future carrier, and hence I would like to thank
him for all his contributions. I would like to thank all the operators.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the university for giving me the opportunity to gain
practical experience, which greatly enhanced my learning.
.
Executive Summary
Internships are invaluable for gaining hands-on experience, developing skills, and building
professional connections. My time at TAL Garments Manufacturing Plc in Hawassa offered rich
insights into the garment industry and sustainability-focused manufacturing. This report covers
the primary aspects of my internship, starting with the company’s background and organizational
structure, its focus on sustainable garment production, and its role as a global leader since its
founding in 1947.
In the initial sections, I discuss TAL’s operational divisions, from design to quality assurance
and production, and highlight its main products, customer base, and environmentally responsible
practices. My tasks included daily quality checks, data analysis, and collaboration on
sustainability projects, along with a mini-project focused on waste reduction in manufacturing.
The report concludes with reflections on the skills I developed in quality control,
communication, teamwork, and leadership, along with recommendations for enhancing the
internship program. Overall, this experience at TAL Garments Manufacturing Plc has been
invaluable in preparing me for a future career in the industry.
.
Table of contents
1. Background of the Company .................................................................................. 7
2. Abstract and Acknowledgment ............................................................................... 7
3. Mission of the Company ......................................................................................... 7
4. Main Customers of the Company ............................................................................ 8
5. Main Products of the Company ............................................................................... 8
6. Overall Internship Experience ................................................................................. 8
6.1 Daily Activities .................................................................................................. 8
6.2 Weekly Activities .............................................................................................. 9
6.3 Monthly Activities ............................................................................................. 9
7. Sections of the Company ....................................................................................... 9
7.1 Organizational Structure ................................................................................. 10
7.2 Machinery and Infrastructure .......................................................................... 10
7.3 Raw Material Sourcing .................................................................................... 11
8. Student's Tasks ................................................................................................... 11
9. Challenges Faced ................................................................................................ 12
10. Mini Project Work............................................................................................... 12
10.1 Introduction ................................................................................................. 12
10.2 Problem Statement ....................................................................................... 13
10.3 Objective ..................................................................................................... 13
10.4 Significance of the Project ............................................................................. 13
10.5 Scope of the Project ...................................................................................... 13
10.6 Research Methodology.................................................................................. 13
10.7 Findings and Recommendations .................................................................... 14
11. Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 14
1.1 Background of the Organization
a.1.1 Profile of the Organization
Figure 1.1 TAL Apparel
1. Background of the Company
TAL Garments Manufacturing Plc, established in 1947, has emerged as a leading global
garment manufacturer, recognized for its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability,
and customer satisfaction. Located in Hawassa, Ethiopia, TAL serves as a trusted partner to
renowned fashion brands worldwide, facilitating the transition toward sustainable manufacturing
practices. With over 75 years of experience, TAL has evolved from a modest local operation into
a significant player in the global garment industry.
TAL's history began with the vision of its founder, Mr. C.C. Lee, affectionately known as "The
Textile Man." His dedication to quality and innovation laid the groundwork for TAL’s growth.
Initially focused on cotton spinning, the company diversified its offerings, venturing into
garment production. Today, TAL operates state-of-the-art facilities equipped with modern
machinery and technology, ensuring that its products meet the highest standards of quality and
sustainability.
TAL is not just a manufacturer; it is a pioneer in ethical practices, focusing on reducing its
environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. The company prioritizes sustainable
sourcing, using materials that minimize harm to the environment. Through its commitment to
eco-friendly practices, TAL aims to lead the garment industry toward a more sustainable future.
2. Abstract and Acknowledgment
This report offers a comprehensive overview of my internship experience at TAL Garments
Manufacturing Plc, highlighting the company’s operations and my contributions during my
tenure. It details the various departments I engaged with, the skills I developed, and the
challenges I encountered. I am particularly grateful to my supervisors and colleagues for their
unwavering support and mentorship, which played a crucial role in my learning journey. Their
insights and guidance helped me navigate the complexities of the garment industry, making this
internship a significant milestone in my professional development.
3. Mission of the Company
TAL's mission is to redefine how the world sustainably clothes itself. This commitment is
reflected in every facet of the company's operations, from sourcing raw materials to delivering
finished products. TAL strives to achieve excellence in quality while ensuring that its practices
align with ethical and environmental standards. The company's mission emphasizes innovation,
collaboration, and sustainability, aiming to meet the ever-evolving needs of its clients while
making a positive impact on the planet.
4. Main Customers of the Company
TAL caters primarily to global fashion brands, including high-street retailers and luxury clothing
lines. The company has established long-term partnerships with its clients, built on trust and
reliability. TAL's ability to adapt to the specific needs of its customers, coupled with its
commitment to quality, has solidified its reputation as a preferred manufacturing partner. By
understanding market trends and consumer preferences, TAL consistently delivers products that
resonate with end-users, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Main Products of the Company
TAL offers a diverse range of garments, including casual wear, sportswear, formal attire, and
workwear. Each product line is designed with the latest fashion trends in mind, ensuring that
TAL remains competitive in the global market. The company specializes in producing high-
performance apparel that combines style, comfort, and durability. For instance, TAL's sportswear
is engineered to enhance athletic performance while providing maximum comfort, making it a
favorite among sports enthusiasts. Additionally, TAL's commitment to sustainability extends to
its product lines, with eco-friendly materials incorporated into many garments.
6. Overall Internship Experience
My internship at TAL provided me with a multifaceted experience across various departments. I
was able to gain insights into the garment manufacturing process, from design to production,
while developing practical skills relevant to the industry.
6.1 Daily Activities
Each day began with a briefing session where team leaders outlined the day's goals. My
responsibilities included:
• Quality Checks: Conducting inspections of raw materials and finished garments to
ensure they met TAL's high standards. For instance, I would check fabric samples for
defects and measure dimensions to ensure accuracy.
• Production Monitoring: Collaborating with production teams to track workflow and
address any issues promptly. This involved working on the shop floor, where I observed
the production process and noted areas where improvements could be made.
• Sustainability Assessments: Participating in evaluations of sustainability practices
within the production department. I helped compile data on waste generated and
suggested ways to minimize it.
6.2 Weekly Activities
Weekly team meetings provided an opportunity to review production goals and discuss quality
control reports. My involvement included:
• Data Analysis: Analyzing weekly production reports to identify trends in efficiency and
quality. I created spreadsheets to track metrics such as defect rates and production output.
• Training Sessions: Attending training sessions focused on the latest manufacturing
technologies and sustainable practices. These sessions were valuable for understanding
how TAL integrates innovation into its processes.
6.3 Monthly Activities
At the end of each month, I participated in comprehensive reviews of production outputs:
• Performance Reports: Compiling monthly performance reports that highlighted key
metrics, including production efficiency, quality control outcomes, and waste
management statistics.
• Strategic Planning: Engaging in discussions about future production strategies and
improvements based on the analysis of monthly data.
7. Sections of the Company
7.1 Organizational Structure
TAL operates through several departments, each contributing to the overall production process:
• Design and Development: This team is responsible for creating innovative designs that
reflect current fashion trends. They work closely with clients to understand their needs
and translate them into tangible products.
• Production: The production department manages the manufacturing process, ensuring
efficiency and quality at every stage. This includes cutting, sewing, and finishing
garments.
• Quality Assurance: This team focuses on maintaining high standards for both raw
materials and finished products. They conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure
compliance with industry standards.
• Sustainability: The sustainability department implements eco-friendly practices across
all operations. They work on initiatives aimed at reducing waste, conserving resources,
and promoting ethical sourcing.
7.2 Machinery and Infrastructure
TAL boasts modern machinery and infrastructure that support efficient production processes.
The facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including:
• Automated Cutting Machines: These machines enhance precision and minimize fabric
waste by optimizing cutting layouts.
• Sewing Machines: TAL employs various types of sewing machines, including industrial
models that improve speed and efficiency in garment assembly.
• Finishing Equipment: Specialized finishing machines ensure that garments are pressed
and packaged to meet retail standards.
This investment in technology not only enhances product quality but also streamlines operations,
enabling TAL to meet tight delivery schedules.
Figure 1.2 Automatic cutting machine
7.3 Raw Material Sourcing
The company sources raw materials from various regions, prioritizing sustainable practices. TAL
collaborates with suppliers who adhere to ethical sourcing standards, ensuring that the materials
used in production are both high-quality and environmentally friendly. The sourcing process
involves:
• Supplier Audits: Regular audits of suppliers to ensure compliance with sustainability
and quality standards.
• Diversity of Materials: Sourcing a variety of materials, including organic cotton,
recycled polyester, and eco-friendly dyes.
This approach not only supports TAL's sustainability goals but also enhances the quality and
appeal of its products.
8. Student's Tasks
During my internship, I was tasked with several key responsibilities that contributed to my
learning experience:
• Quality Control Inspections: I conducted inspections of raw materials and finished
garments, ensuring they met TAL's stringent quality standards. This included checking
for defects in fabric and ensuring proper stitching.
• Data Analysis for Production Reports: I assisted in data analysis for production
reports, compiling data on production efficiency and quality control outcomes.
• Collaboration with the Sustainability Team: I collaborated with the sustainability team
on initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
• Participating in Team Meetings: I actively participated in team meetings, contributing
ideas and insights based on my observations and analyses.
9. Challenges Faced
Despite the positive experience, I encountered several challenges during my internship:
• Adapting to Advanced Machinery: The complexity of some machinery required me to
quickly learn how to operate various equipment safely and efficiently. I sought help from
experienced operators and spent extra time practicing to gain confidence.
• Understanding Production Protocols: Navigating the intricate protocols and standards
in place was initially overwhelming. I dedicated time to studying the company’s manuals
and shadowing team members to gain a clearer understanding of workflows.
• Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks while meeting tight deadlines was
challenging. I developed a personal schedule to prioritize tasks and manage my time
effectively, which ultimately improved my productivity.
10. Mini Project Work
10.1 Introduction
As part of my internship, I undertook a mini-project focused on improving waste management
practices in the production department. This project aimed to identify areas where waste could be
reduced and propose solutions to enhance sustainability.
10.2 Problem Statement
The garment manufacturing process often results in significant waste, including fabric scraps and
excess materials. This not only impacts the environment but also contributes to increased
production costs. My project sought to address these issues by analyzing current practices and
proposing actionable solutions.
10.3 Objective
The objective of my mini-project was to analyze current waste management practices and
recommend strategies for minimizing waste during the production process. By implementing
these strategies, TAL could enhance its sustainability efforts and reduce costs.
10.4 Significance of the Project
By addressing waste management, TAL could improve its sustainability efforts and reduce costs,
aligning with its mission to lead change in sustainable garment production. This project would
also contribute to TAL’s reputation as an environmentally responsible manufacturer.
10.5 Scope of the Project
The project focused on the production department, examining processes related to fabric cutting,
sewing, and finishing. I collected data on waste generated during each stage and identified
opportunities for improvement.
10.6 Research Methodology
I utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection:
• Observational Studies: I spent time observing production processes to understand waste
generation and identify inefficiencies.
• Interviews: I conducted interviews with production staff to gather insights on current
practices and challenges they faced.
• Data Analysis: I analyzed production reports to quantify waste generated and identify
trends over time.
10.7 Findings and Recommendations
The analysis revealed several areas for improvement:
1. Optimized Cutting Techniques: By implementing advanced cutting techniques and
better layout planning, TAL could significantly reduce fabric waste.
2. Recycling Initiatives: Introducing recycling programs for fabric scraps could help
minimize waste and support sustainability goals.
3. Employee Training: Providing additional training for staff on best practices in waste
management could enhance awareness and encourage responsible practices.
These recommendations were presented to management, highlighting their potential impact on
sustainability and cost reduction.
11. Conclusion
My internship at TAL Garments Manufacturing Plc was an invaluable experience that enriched
my understanding of the garment industry. I gained hands-on experience, developed practical
skills, and engaged with professionals dedicated to quality and sustainability. The challenges I
faced provided opportunities for growth, and the mini-project allowed me to contribute to TAL’s
sustainability efforts. This internship has inspired me to pursue a career in the garment industry,
where I can continue to advocate for sustainable practices and make a positive impact.