Garment technologist

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

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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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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• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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.

Further information

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

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

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

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