Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series: > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

The Product Developer keeps up to date with the latest fashion trends to design new clothing or fashion concepts for clients and businesses. With help from designers and garment technologists, they create a Tech Pack, which is the detailed drawings of the designs and any prototypes, which is used to make the ideas they have really clear to the people who are going to be making the clothes, as well as the departments that are trying to sell the clothing to retailers and customers.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could do a college course, which will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to work in the fashion industry.

You'll usually need:

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

The following local colleges offer courses in Fashion and Textiles:

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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an advanced apprenticeship in fashion and textiles. You could then develop your design skills on the job.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

University

You could get a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Courses are widely available and include fashion design, art and design or textiles.

You should look for a course that covers both design and technical skills to get the practical knowledge needed by the industry.

Some universities and colleges are members of the British Fashion Council.

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.

Career Path and Progression

Once you have a few years of experience you may decide to become a consultant or a product manager.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Marketing Manager
Sales Manager

Required Skills

Good communicator
Excellent at problem solving
Organised
The ability to work on own initiative
Self motivated
Commercial awareness
An aptitude for the fashion industry

Salary Range

£20,000 to £40,000

Product Developer