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Garment technologist

Alternative titles for this job include Clothing technician, textiles technician

Garment technologists choose the right fabrics and designs for manufacturers to make clothes at a set cost.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become a garment technologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could start with a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant. Relevant courses include:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles
  • Level 4 Diploma in Garment Technology for Fashion Retail

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

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Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship, or specialise in technical textiles through a higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in garment technology through the British Fashion Council.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of maths
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • suggesting changes to clothing pattern designs
  • giving advice on suitable fabrics
  • making sure garments can be produced within budget
  • overseeing fabric testing and fittings of first samples
  • making sure that the correct garment construction methods are used
  • responding to product queries
  • analysing product returns and faults
  • producing quality control reports

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.

You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a garment technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Level 4 Garment Technology for Fashion

  • Provider: FASHION RETAIL ACADEMY
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: CITY OF WESTMINSTER
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