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 for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
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
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) 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
More information
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in apparel, or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a 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 progress to senior technologist, quality controller or technical manager.
You could also move into research or teaching in a university.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Manufacturing Cutter Apprentice
- Wage : £144.30 Weekly
- Location: Sowerby Bridge HX6 2QQ
Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Apprentice
- Wage : £117.00 Weekly
- Location: Glastonbury BA6 9TS
Courses In England
Level 4 Garment Technology for Fashion
- Provider: FASHION RETAIL ACADEMY (THE)
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: CITY OF WESTMINSTER
Garment Technology Passport to Employment
- Provider: OLDHAM COLLEGE
- Start date: 02 September 2019
- Location: OLDHAM
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