Job Description

Garment Technologists will work with the design team to help decide which material should be used, how the materials might have to be altered to make it better, as well as checking that the right manufacturing, stitching and fitting methods are being implemented.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

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 and Level 4 Diploma in Garment Technology for Fashion Retail.

You'll usually need:

• 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

The following local colleges offer courses in Fashion and Textiles:

• City College Norwich
• East Coast College
• One Sixth Form College
• Suffolk New College
• The College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk College

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in fashion and textiles.

You could also do a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship, or specialise in technical textiles through a higher apprenticeship.

You'll usually need:

• 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

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

You'll usually need:

• 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

Click here to search for a suitable course.

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.

More Information

You can find out more about working and training in garment technology through the British Fashion Council.

Career Path and Progression

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.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Analytical textile technologist
• Leather technologist
• Sewing machinist
• Tailor
• Fashion design assistant

Required Skills

• An interest in sewing and stitching methods
• An understanding of manufacturing processes
• Strong interest in fashion and design
• The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• the ability to work well with others

Salary Range

£16,000 to £30,000