Fashion design assistant

Entry Requirements:

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 or higher national diploma in fashion design or fashion and textiles.

Entry requirements:

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

College

You could take a college course to learn skills in pattern cutting, computer-aided cutting techniques and design software. Courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma In Skills for the Fashion Industries
• Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design and Production
• T Level in Craft and Design

A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge that employers look for.

Entry requirements:

• 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
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could do a fashion studio assistant or garment maker advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Work

You can start as a general assistant with a fashion company or retailer and work your way up, taking training and getting qualifications along the way.

Volunteering

There is strong competition for jobs in the fashion industry, so any contacts and experience you can get will help when looking for work. You could get this through internships, work placements or volunteering.

The British Fashion Industry supports initiatives like the National Saturday Club for young people from 13 to 16 looking to get an insight into fashion careers.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be flexible and open to change
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• leadership skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• business management skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Fashion design assistants help designers to create new materials, styles, colours and patterns for fashion brands and labels.

You could:

• create prototypes and tailor garments
• produce technical sketches
• explain creative ideas to designers
• source fabrics and trimmings
• create mood, shape and trend boards
• get approval for designs from customers
• work closely with factories and suppliers
• meet with customers and fabric agents
• inspect products during the design process

Location : You could work in a creative studio or in a workshop.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £23,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience you could become a fashion designer, then senior designer or design director. As a design director you could create your own range and manage a design team.

You could also move into freelance design, working on individual projects, or self-employment, creating your own collections.