A Process-Based Operations Management Model for Textile TVET Institution: Design an Internal Validation at SENA

The demand for skilled labor has increased globally, reinforcing the strategic role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. In Colombia, however, textile workshops within TVET centers often face operational inefficiencies related to resource optimization, production planning, and process improvement, which undermine training quality and productivity in the garment sector. This study addresses the question of how to model Operations Management (OM) for technical training activities (TTA) in Colombian TVET institutions. It presents the design and validation of an Operations Management Model (OMM) for a textile training center (TC) of the Colombian Institute for Vocational Education (SENA). It integrates pedagogical and productive dimensions within a TVET institution, representing a novel approach for an OMM. The model was developed in three stages: component description, design, and validation. It adopts a systemic approach including three subsystems: SENA, the TC, and the garment workshop. Within the workshop, the model emphasizes process-based management—mission-oriented, supporting, and strategic processes—aligned with continuous improvement and institutional guidelines, directly informing resource management decision-making in training contexts. Statistical validation confirmed the classification of processes and the model’s representativeness (over 66.7% agreement). Strong positive correlations were identified between key components (e.g., academic coordination and production control: r  = .85). Expert validation confirmed the model’s structure and its positive impact on workshop operations and training development. The results provide a practical framework to improve operational efficiency in TVET textile workshops and offer a candidate reference for OM practices in TVET institutions in the apparel manufacturing until external testing is provided.