Sample machinist

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:

• Level 1 Award in Fashion - Sewing Machine Skills
• Level 1 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can get into this job through a sewing machinist intermediate apprenticeship or a garment maker advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You would usually move into this job after getting experience as a sewing machinist on a production line.

Although there are no set entry requirements for applying for this job directly, employers would expect you to have literacy and numeracy skills to read instructions and understand measurements.

Further information

You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• checking all pattern pieces are present to start a job
• following fabric, colour and size instructions from the designer and pattern cutter
• using industrial machines like overlockers and binders
• stitching sections together and adding labels to them
• pressing the garment to give it a 'finished' appearance
• advising the design team about the best way to construct the sample
• discussing any 'tweaks' to the design instructions before the item goes into production
• carrying out quality control checks during a production run
• helping other machinists during busy periods
• working directly with customers who supply their own design details

You could work in a creative studio, in a workshop or from home.