Wardrobe assistant

Entry Requirements:

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 to work as a wardrobe assistant. Subjects include:

• costume design
• fashion
• textiles
• costume construction

These may give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.

Entry requirements:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, such as:

• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)

Entry requirements:

• 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 take one of the following Advanced Apprenticeships to get into this role:

• Costume Performance Technician Level 3
• Garment Maker Level 3
• Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

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

Work

You could start out as a production runner with a stage or screen company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.

You could also work for a theatrical costume hire company to get into the industry.

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 can get volunteering experience through:

• student theatre and film productions
• amateur or community theatre
• dressmaking
• casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of the fine arts
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Wardrobe assistants help to make, find and look after clothes and costumes used in theatre, film and TV productions.

As a wardrobe assistant, you might:

• hire or help to create costumes and accessories
• check, clean and iron garments ready for use
• dress performers and help with costume changes between scenes
• alter and mend items
• store costumes and deal with returns once a production has finished

Location : You could work at a film studio, on a film set, in a theatre or at a TV studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped and hot.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed flexibly

Career Path:

You may specialise in theatre work, film or TV, but you could cross over between areas once established.

With experience, you could become a wardrobe manager or move into:

• costume design
• set design
• stage management