How to become a wardrobe assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in costume design, fashion or textiles. This could give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, for example:
- Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles
- Level 3 Certificate in Theatre Support Costume and Wardrobe
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:
- Level 3 Broadcast production assistant
- Level 3 Costume performance technician
- Level 3 Garment maker
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
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Work
You could start out as a runner with a production company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You could get volunteering experience through:
- student theatre and film productions
- amateur or community theatre
- dressmaking
- working for a theatrical costume hire company
- casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets
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Further information
You can find more details about how to become a wardrobe assistant through Get into Theatre.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has more information about the recommended daily rates for wardrobe assistants.