Sewing machinist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

A college course could teach you the skills needed for this career.

Relevant courses include:

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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a sewing machinist intermediate apprenticeship.

You could also do a garment maker advanced apprenticeship. This may be helpful if you want to get into more skilled work like sample machining.

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

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to work as a sewing machinist. Employers would normally expect you to have basic sewing skills and the ability to read and understand written pattern instructions. Most companies would ask you to take a practical test at the interview.

Sewing skills developed at home or on a college course could help you to get a job.

Experience of using different types of industrial sewing machines will give you an advantage.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• concentration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of public safety and security

What you'll do:

Sewing machinists make clothes, accessories and soft furniture.

You could:

• follow a set of instructions for each sewing job
• sew different fabrics like cotton, wool, leather or industrial textiles
• draw threads through and change machine settings for different jobs
• feed material through the machine
• stitch together clothes, samples or other items
• check finished work against the pattern instructions
• carry out quality control checks
• clean and oil machines

Location : You could work in a factory, in a creative studio or from home.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy and dusty.

Salary:

Starter : £15,500
Experienced : £21,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is early mornings on shifts

Career Path:

You could become a supervisor or move into staff training.

You could set up your own business as a tailor or dressmaker.

With experience you could work with a designer, or as a sample machinist , making up samples of products.

You could take further training and qualifications for roles like garment technologist, quality control technician or pattern cutter.