The retailer underwrites scholarships and launches certificate program as skilled tailoring talent grows harder to recruit.

Retailers, brands, academic institutions, and trade organizations are stepping up to help resolve the gaps of skilled workers in the trades professional.

When Sarene Alsharif calls, she’s walking through her tailoring shop, and an employee beckons her over with a question. “No, no,” she explains, her reply drifting over the phone. “‘Let out’ means ...