Garment technologist

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, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

Entry requirements:

• 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

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:

• 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

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship, or a technical textiles specialist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 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

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.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• the ability to read English
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Garment technologists choose the right fabrics and designs for manufacturers to make clothes at a set cost.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
• give advice on suitable fabrics
• make sure garments can be produced within budget
• oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
• make sure that the correct garment construction methods are used
• respond to product queries
• analyse product returns and faults
• produce quality control reports

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

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.

You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.