Fashion & clothing Now on the internet - www.connexions-direct.com/ wifashandcloth
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Now on the internet
Working in
www.connexions-direct.com/
wifashandcloth
fashion
& clothing
Includes 18
real-life case
studies covering:
G Designing
G Production
G Displaying and Design, Arts
marketing and Crafts
Contents
What is this booklet about? 2
It is one of over 40 in a series covering many Designing
work sectors, subjects and careers. Each book
contains a number of case studies showing people Footwear designer
in a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is – Fashion designer
including the good things and the bad.
Clothing pattern cutter/grader
Each job shows you what qualifications you will need,
Handbag designer
what training you can get and how much you might be
paid. Also, you will see which route each person took in
getting that job. 7
How can I find out more? Production
Look on the website www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u which Tailor
contains background information on these featured jobs plus many Clothing alteration hand
more. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will help
you research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisations Leather machinist
listed at the back of the book. Knitwear product development
assistant
How can I contact Connexions?
Footwear manufacturing operative
In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might
be based at your school, college or reached at your local Textile technologist
Connexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or e-mail Clothing packer
through Connexions Direct. Open seven days a week,
Merchandiser
between 8.00am and 2.00am.
Assistant cloth buyer
Check out www.connexions-direct.com or look in the
telephone book to find your local centre. Or ring
080 800 13219 or text on 07766 413219 for 18
Connexions Direct.
Displaying and marketing
Other formats of this booklet are available –
Fashion model
for details see back cover.
Fashion photographer
Key to salary icons Fashion adviser
up to £12,000 Fashion writer/stylist
£12,001 to £17,000 Knitwear buyer
over £17,000
24
This represents the typical
starting salary for the job Further reading/
featured in the case study. Useful addresses
Working in fashion & clothing
So you want to work in
fashion and clothing?
The fashion and clothing industry offers an exciting range of careers for
young people at all levels and employs nearly half a million people. Even
though the manufacture of clothes, shoes and textiles increasingly now
takes place overseas, the UK still maintains a significant base, provided by
numerous small companies often centred in specific geographical areas.
Fashion is not all about being a designer. Only about one-in-ten Are Apprenticeships available?
of the 3,000 fashion graduates each year finds work as designers. Clothing and textile companies
Most of these are far more likely to be interpreting trends for a are keen to improve the training
High Street retailer than using their own original creative designs. which is available for young
This booklet aims to give you an idea of some of the other people. A wide range of
interesting jobs available, as well as case studies of designers Apprenticeships (Skillseekers
in different parts of the industry. in Scotland) is now available,
including sewing, IT,
Is a degree in fashion an advantage? administration, warehousing
Sometimes, yes – for some careers a degree or Higher National and distribution, engineering,
Diploma (HND) may be the only way in. The most common and customer services.
route is to take a foundation course in art and design before
starting a design degree. One of the advantages of a degree What else can give me a
course is that it often includes a module on business studies. head start?
This could be a great help if you go on to set up your own Experience gained as a sales
business as a designer or making clothes, or if you decide assistant in clothing or footwear
on a career in buying, merchandising or many of the other retailing will give you an insight
jobs available. into the industry and customer
However, there are many other routes of entry into the sector – knowledge. Prepare a portfolio
specific technical courses, Apprenticeships and NVQs/SVQs. of art and design or other
Courses which focus on the technical aspects of textiles and practical work that you can
garment technology, including IT applications, are also take to a job interview and
invaluable, both for design and other careers. lso use for college or
university applications.
What else do I need to consider? Part-time courses, at a local
It is important to be flexible and to keep your options open. college or adult education
Many companies within the sector offer work experience to institute, can also provide you
young people, and this provides a real insight to the working with valuable skills and will
environment. Whatever career you decide upon, you will need show an employer that you
to be prepared to work hard, which can involve putting in very are willing to undertake further
long hours, especially if you are running your own business. study. Make sure you are well
informed about the area you
What sort of skills and qualifications are needed? are applying for and read
Practical and creative skills are very important for many of the relevant magazines, books
jobs featured here. If you are still at school, take every opportunity and websites.
to develop these skills, whether they are in photography, art,
craft, design and technology, sewing, fixing and repairs or
making things. Experience of using computer-aided design
(CAD) programs and other IT applications is also a great help.
Literacy and numeracy are important, and for some jobs you
will need science qualifications to an advanced level.
1
Designing
The design world is fast moving and exciting. If you’re creative and passionate about fashion, a career in
design could be for you. Fashion designers are trendsetters, but often meet fierce competition and have to
work long hours.
Footwear designer Footwear designer
Beatrix Ong designs ladies’
shoes and is the owner of a
London-based business. She
has just opened her first
shop selling her own
original designs. Beatrix
finds time to market her
shoes at trade fairs
throughout the world.
What is your role? Promoting the brand is an important part What hours do you work?
My job involves designing shoes and of my work, involving regular interviews Normally, I work from 8.30am to 6.30pm,
bags, seeing them through from concept and events. I work in collaboration with but with the travel and running my own
to production, as well as controlling and fashion designers for fashion shows and business, I regularly work longer hours.
implementing business strategies. also design and consult on collections for
other brands.
What is the working environment like?
What does your job involve? It’s important to me that everyone in the
Why did you decide to run your own
Researching ideas for future collections is business? company really enjoys their work. I make
the first part of the design process, which sure that it is a relaxed atmosphere and
can involve travelling anywhere in the I wanted the chance to create my own we play music in the background. I work
world. After making some rough drawings designs. I was also challenged by the with an assistant, a sales director, a
in my sketch book, I compile a mood prospect of making shoes that were finance director, the press office and
board, with inspiration for colour, fabric comfortable enough for women to wear my manufacturers.
and shape taken from a range of sources during the day, and yet special enough
including poems, pictures and people. The to be worn in the evening. What personal qualities and skills do
shoes may be made in soft leathers, or you need?
other fabrics such as raffia or silk. You need to be artistically creative and
Beatrix’s route
I then design and develop the lasts and to have a sound business mind. Most
heels. The last is the model of the shoe, • BA (Hons) in Graphic and importantly, you need to really enjoy
with the correct dimensions, that I sketch Media Design. your work and be passionate about it.
my design onto. This is then sent to the It also helps to have computer skills –
• Footwear design course.
manufacturer who produces the shoe. we use creative computer packages
• Designer at Jimmy Choo.
such as Adobe Photoshop and Quark,
Are there any other aspects to your job? • Designer at Lulu Guinness.
alongside Word, Excel and Entourage.
Attending fashion events and • Short course in business
participating in trade fairs in New York, management. Why did you choose this career?
Las Vegas, London, Paris and Milan are • Launched own collection. A shoe comprises 20 different
all part of my job. I also hold regular components and I love the challenge
meetings with my team in London, to Beatrix’s tips of creating something beautiful but
discuss progress and to implement practical. Also, running the business
strategies for the growth of the business. • Learn as much as you can and allows me to be artistic in other areas.
don’t expect to stop learning.
• People skills are very important.
2
Working in fashion & clothing
Fashion designer
Fashion/clothing designer
What do you enjoy about your work?
I love meeting so many different and
Miranda Kirwan works as a
interesting people. senior designer of women’s
How do you see your future? fashion clothes at the
I’m hoping to slowly expand the range London head office of High
and to see the business grow.
Street fashion retailer, River
Island. Her team produces
two collections of new
clothes each year.
Related jobs
Fashion/clothing designer
Footwear designer
Leather craftworker What is your role? What does your job involve?
Product designer
I am responsible for three different At any given time I am working on
Retail buyer
departments within smart ladieswear, design collections, both for the following
Textile designer
which include blouses and dresses, season and for next year’s season. I have
tailored clothing, coats and leather a number of themes, such as cowgirl or
Salary information garments. These product areas have their American-influenced, around which I
Footwear designers in their first job own designer who I supervise, alongside develop a series of different garments
might earn around £14,000, rising two departmental assistant designers and for each season.
to around £25,000 with some a design assistant. Together, we produce
I develop the garments from the initial
experience. Senior designers could two main collections each year, divided
sketches right through to the manufactured
earn between £30,000 and £40,000. into spring/summer and autumn/winter.
products, working closely with other
teams including our buyers. To help me
Getting in with design ideas, I visit other High Street
Miranda’s route
retailers and markets in London and
• A degree in footwear or product overseas. I also attend fashion fairs in
design is the usual way into this • BTEC National Diploma in General
Art and Design. Paris, Florence and New York.
very competitive career. A portfolio
of art work is essential, and many • BA (Hons) Fashion Design.
What happens after the initial sketches
people complete a foundation • Designer/Creative pattern cutter. of a new design?
course in art and design before • Design room manager.
their degree. The next step is to prepare a detailed
• Design manager – evening wear. specification, which includes the choice
• Some universities offer degrees which of fabric, buttons, trims, thread, stitch size
include footwear design, including • River Island designer, and then
senior designer. and pockets. I then liaise with our sample
the London College of Fashion’s BA room manager, before a sample garment
Product Design and Development is made up.
for the Fashion Industries and De Miranda’s tips
Montfort University’s BA (Hons) If we are happy with the garment we
• Confidence and self-belief proceed to a series of ‘fit meetings’,
Footwear Design.
are essential. which might involve making small
• The London College of Fashion
• Try to find work experience with changes, before our manufacturers make
offers a one-year diploma course
a company you would eventually a further sample. Once accepted, the
in footwear design for those with
like to join. garment moves into full-scale production.
experience in other areas, and an
MA course in fashion footwear. • Make sure you have a strong
Short courses are also available. portfolio.
3
Designing
What else do you do?
Related jobs Jennifer Coyle is a pattern
Attending meetings with our buyers and
sales managers, to review sales and Clothing pattern cutter/grader cutter and grader for Aero
develop our ranges, is a big part of my Costume designer
working week. These meetings enable us Footwear designer Leather Clothing, a
to respond to changes in fashion trends Retail buyer Scottish company that
quickly, and ensure we bring the latest Tailor/dressmaker
and most popular fashions into our stores. Textile designer makes and restores leather
What are your working hours? Salary information jackets. These include
I usually work from 9.30am until 6.00pm, Starting salaries for junior designers
flying jackets from World
although I sometimes need to work later can be between £12,000 and £17,000. War II as well as other
in the evening if we are busy. With experience, this may rise to
around £24,000. Senior designers can
specialist garments.
What is your working environment like? command salaries of over £50,000.
I work in a large open plan environment
with all the designers and the sample Getting in
room team. The atmosphere is relaxed
and friendly, with a great creative buzz. • Most designers have degree or
HND qualifications. Many courses
What skills do you need for this type are available, and those which
include business studies and What is your role?
of work? My job is to make the patterns needed for
clothing technology can be
Creativity and strong communication advantageous. In England and our clothing, which may involve making
skills are essential, combined with an Wales, many students complete new patterns from scratch, or using
assertive and confident approach to a foundation course in art and existing clothes to make a pattern. I also
present your ideas effectively. The ability design before their degree. grade the pattern into different sizes.
to work in a team is important in such
• BTEC national diploma courses
a competitive, fast-moving environment. What does your job involve?
in fashion and clothing are also
Good drawing skills are also important,
available, which can lead to degree I make the patterns using special blocks
although computer drawing packages
or HND options. which give me the basic shape, and then
are available to help in this area.
• A portfolio of art and fashion these are developed according to the
design work is normally essential different designs. A typical jacket block
What do you like about your job? pattern would include pattern pieces for
for entry to courses.
I love the fast-changing and exciting the front and back body, sleeves, collar,
environment. I find the busy atmosphere facings and the lining. To restore an old
stimulating. Fashion has always been my jacket, my job might involve making the
hobby and I really enjoy following the pattern for a new lining.
trends and developing new looks.
I also help the fabric cutter with the
Is there anything you dislike? laying out of the fabric, which is then
cut using a special machine.
Balancing several different demands
can be challenging at times. What is pattern grading?
How do you see your future? Grading the pattern begins by drawing
around a base pattern size, which can
I would like to continue within the then be reduced or enlarged to produce
company and progress to a more clothes across a range of sizes. I do this
senior role in management. manually, although larger companies
might use a computer.
4
Working in fashion & clothing
Clothing pattern
cutter/grader
Clothing pattern cutter/grader
What is the working environment like? How do you see your future?
The sewing machines make the I would like to develop my design skills
environment fairly noisy, and there can further, possibly working on ladies’
be quite a lot of dust and fibres from leather jeans and jackets.
the fabrics.
What are the challenges in your work?
Do you work alone? Leather is much more difficult to work
No, I liaise closely with other members of with than other fabrics and requires
the manufacturing team, including the special consideration in terms of the
cutter and sewing machinists. This helps way it handles and drapes.
to ensure that the finished garments are
of the highest quality.
What personal qualities and skills do
you need?
Accuracy is vital – you need to be
prepared to check and re-check your Related jobs
work to ensure the pattern fits together
properly. You also have to be very logical Clothing sewing machinist
and able to think things through clearly. Costume designer
What hours do you work? Numerical skills are important for Fashion/clothing designer
working out the right measurements Leather technologist
I usually work a normal day from 9.00am Retail buyer
needed for different sizes.
until 5.00pm. Each new pattern takes Tailor/dressmaker
around two to three hours, with a new
pattern grading taking around an hour Why did you choose this career?
Salary information
and a half. I like being creative and have always
been interested in fashion, sewing, Salaries can vary greatly. Pattern
dressmaking and crafts. My degree cutters might start on around
Jennifer’s route has enabled me to develop my creative £12,000. With experience this could
skills further. rise to £20,000, and very skilled staff
• H grades in English, chemistry
and Latin. could earn more.
What training have you done?
• BSc Degree in Clothing Design
and Manufacture. My degree course included pattern cutting Getting in
and when I started with the company
• Six-month university placement I shadowed an experienced worker. College or university based training
with Aero Leather Clothing. is usually essential. Available
• Pattern cutter. Do you use any special tools? courses include:
• City & Guilds 7802-27 Pattern
I use scissors, measuring tapes, rulers
Jennifer’s tips Cutting and 7802-71 Computer
and a set square to enable me to draw
Pattern Cutting.
parallel lines for grading.
• There is great competition for jobs • BTEC National Diploma in Clothing
in this changing industry – it’s What do you enjoy about your work? and Fashion.
important to work hard and aim • HND courses in fashion and clothing
for the highest marks at college. I find it rewarding making garments for
people who may have difficulty getting related subjects.
• Visit potential colleges and check clothes to fit, due to their size and shape. • Degree courses in fashion and
course content. clothing. A portfolio of design
• Have confidence in your ability, Is there anything you dislike? work is often necessary.
because anything is possible if • NVQs/SVQs in Manufacturing
The noise of the sewing machines in the
you put your mind to it. Sewn Products at Levels 1 and 2.
factory can make concentration difficult.
5
Designing
Handbag designer
Fashion/clothing designer
Sophie Scott is based in
London and works as a
handbag designer for
Jane Shilton. Part of
her role is researching
and developing new
ideas, which involves
overseas travel.
What does your job involve? Are there any other aspects to your job? What personal qualities and skills do
At the start of a new season, I travel to I travel overseas regularly, attending you need?
New York, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong trade fairs and markets to source materials You have to be very artistic and creative,
to look at fashion trends in the designer for the handbags, including leather, nylon, with an eye for current trends. The ability
shops and department stores, as well as fabric and polyurethane. I also work to sketch ideas is also important. Excellent
attending trade fairs and visiting London closely with our Hong Kong office. communication skills are needed to ensure
shops. I also work closely with a company our ideas are interpreted correctly, both
who updates me on the latest styles and How do you actually design a handbag? within the design team and with our
colours. Regular meetings are held with Once the research phase is underway, overseas suppliers.
the design team, chairman and sales I sketch ideas and then use a computer
director, where we discuss ideas and drawing program to produce a detailed Why did you choose this career?
develop the range. technical drawing. I need to consider size, I have always loved art and design.
shape and colour, and also the fabric, Although I studied jewellery design, I
Sophie’s route linings, stitch colour, trims and zips. had the chance to design handbags in
This detailed drawing is then sent to a my final year, using my own gold and
• Foundation course in Art and Design. pattern cutter, who will make a sample silver fastenings. A tannery sponsored
• Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. of the handbag. me to make my own range of handbags.
• Short course – Design for Handbags. After graduating, I sold my range of
• Self-employed, selling own range What hours do you work? leather bags at craft fairs and undertook
I work from 8.30am to 5.30pm each day, private commissions.
of handbags.
• Handbag designer. with occasional extra hours if needed.
Sophie’s tips What is the working environment like?
Jane Shilton is a family business and
• Experience gained using IT design the working environment is very friendly.
packages is invaluable. The design room is spacious and light.
• Gain knowledge of the industry
by reading fashion magazines, Who do you work with?
using the internet and visiting There are three designers in our team.
factories if possible. I also work closely with our chairman,
• Be energetic and passionate sales director and overseas contacts.
about what you do!
6
Working in fashion & clothing
The production side of the fashion industry offers a wide range
of job opportunities. Those working in production have the
satisfaction of bringing designers’ creations to life and delivering
them to the customer.
What about the training?
Tailor Tailor/dressmaker
Before joining the company, I completed Stanley Tow is a tailor
an intensive course in handbag design working for Kilgour in
and construction. Since then, all my
training has been on the job, working Savile Row, a highly
alongside experienced designers. prestigious company
Do you use any special equipment? making bespoke clothing
Special design packages on the computer for men, including royalty
help me with my work.
and celebrities. He became
What do you enjoy about your work? an apprentice as soon as
I love the travel.The job is constantly
changing and is always exciting. It’s so
he left school.
satisfying to see someone wearing a
handbag that I have designed!
What is your role? How is the jacket finished?
Related jobs
My job is to make made-to-measure After a further fitting with the customer,
Footwear designer jackets of the highest possible quality, which may result in alterations, the jacket
Leather craftworker using a combination of hand and machine is sewn by machine, with the addition of
Product designer sewing techniques. The jacket pieces are the linings, breast and outside pockets. Each
Retail buyer handed to me by the cutter, who meets buttonhole is hand sewn, followed by the
Textile designer the customer to take measurements and buttons. Throughout the process I use a
to discuss the choice of design, fabric steam iron to shape and press the fabric.
Salary information and trims.
What hours do you work?
Handbag designers in their first job How do you start to make a jacket? I work freelance and I’m paid for each
might earn £17,000 a year, rising to My first task is to work out from the pieces completed garment. I can therefore
around £23,000 with experience. I am given the style of the jacket, be it choose my hours – I usually work from
Senior designers could earn from single or double breasted, and the number 8.45am until at least 6.00pm, including
around £30,000 to over £40,000. of buttons and pocket designs. Using Saturdays. Each jacket takes between
hand sewn tailor tacks, I mark the position two and three days to complete.
Getting in of buttonholes, front edges and seams.
• A degree in fashion or a design- After this, I carefully cut out the canvas
related subject is essential for this
Stanley’s route
and other fabrics which form three layers
very competitive career. A portfolio inside the jacket. This essential preparation • Apprentice cutter.
of art work is essential, and many helps to give weight and shape. These • Apprentice tailor.
people complete a foundation layers are then loosely stitched into the
course in art and design before front piece, known as the forepart. In a • Tailor – various companies.
their degree. similar way, I stitch the other sections of • Tailor – Kilgour.
• Some universities offer degrees the jacket together – first the back seam,
which cover accessory design, followed by the shoulder, collar and Stanley’s tips
including the London College sleeves. Darts are sewn by machine,
of Fashion’s BA Product Design giving additional shape. • Visit tailors to find out about the job.
and Development for the • Develop an interest in clothes and
Fashion Industries. how they are made.
• Short courses in accessory and • Experience of making your own
handbag design are also available. clothes is an advantage.
7
Production
What is your working environment like?
Related jobs Lucy Welsh works as
I work in a small workroom with another
tailor, next to other workrooms with Clothing alteration hand a self-employed dressmaker
tailors and cutters. The atmosphere is Clothing pattern cutter/grader
friendly, with everyone working hard Clothing sewing machinist in the Midlothian area of
together to produce top quality menswear. Costume designer Scotland. Working from
Fashion/clothing designer
What personal qualities and skills do TV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant her own studio, she makes
you need? and alters garments for
Patience is the most important quality, Salary information
particularly when you are learning your customers, mainly women’s
The starting salary for an apprentice
craft. You also need to be practical, with
tailor is around £9,000. An experienced day and eveningwear.
an interest in sewing. I am paid for each
jacket I complete, so the ability to work
tailor could expect to earn £23,000. Sometimes, she makes
Highly skilled and experienced tailors
very accurately at speed is essential. new clothes for customers.
can earn as much as £50,000. These
earnings are often based on piece work.
Why did you choose this career?
My mother always made clothes and as a Getting in
child I played with her sewing machine.
When I left school, I worked as an • Some people enter tailoring following What does your job involve?
apprentice cutter for two years and a BTEC national certificate/diploma, A customer might bring me a skirt or a
then became an apprentice tailor. a HND or degree course in fashion dress to be shortened or taken in at the
or clothing. However, it is still seams. A more complex alteration could
What training have you received? necessary to complete lengthy be shortening the sleeves of a tailored
on-the-job training or an jacket. Having pinned the garment, I
My apprenticeship took five years to
Apprenticeship, which usually then alter it using the sewing machine,
complete. Different companies also have
takes over three years. or by hand.
their own way of tailoring and, if you move
around, you will learn new skills. All of my • City & Guilds 7822 Level 2 If a customer requests a new garment,
training has been on the job, learning from Certificate in Design and Craft I then make the garment in the chosen
an experienced person, perfecting and has a tailoring option. fabric, using the sewing machine. At
practising my own skills and gaining speed. • The London College of Fashion the next fitting I check the finer details,
offers relevant courses, such as the such as hem length, strap length and
What are the main challenges? Certificate in Handcraft Tailoring positioning. The garment is then
If you make a mistake you need to be very and the Diploma in Production completed, using machine and hand
persistent to work out what is wrong and Tailoring. sewing, ready for customer collection.
rectify the problem, perhaps by unpicking • Short courses in tailoring are often
a seam. Very light or heavy materials can available, as well as City & Guilds What sort of equipment do you use?
also be more difficult to sew. I ensure sewing courses. I use an industrial sewing machine, an
each jacket I make is better than the last. • Skillfast-UK is developing an overlocker to sew fabric edges, an iron,
Apprenticeship in tailoring, and scissors, a set square, a pattern wheel
a group of tailors in Savile Row and a tape measure.
is organising accredited
Apprenticeships. What hours do you work?
I usually work from 9.00am until 7.00pm
What do you enjoy about your work? about four days a week, although I might
I love everything about this job – it’s very finish later if I’m really busy. I combine
satisfying to see a quality garment at the my dressmaking business with a part-time
end of the process. I also enjoy making fashion retail job.
clothes for famous people.
8Working in fashion & clothing
Clothing
alteration hand
Clothing alteration hand
Why did you choose this career?
A love of sewing since childhood led me
to this career. At school, I also enjoyed
art and had a strong interest in fashion.
What are the main challenges?
Meeting deadlines and managing your
own time can be a challenge – you
have to be very organised to run your
own business.
Related jobs
Clothing alteration hand
Clothing pattern cutter/grader
Clothing sewing machinist
Costume designer
Do you work alone? What is the working environment like? Fashion/clothing designer
Although I sew alone, there is a lot of My purpose-built studio is light and airy, TV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant
contact with customers and suppliers, and I work surrounded by fabrics, threads
both in person and on the telephone. and trimmings. Salary information
What personal qualities and skills do Salaries for a trainee usually start at
£9,000. More experienced dressmakers
you need?
Lucy’s route might earn £14,000, and this can be
You need to be patient, organised and considerably higher for successful
• HND in Fashion Design with able to plan ahead in a logical way. Good dressmakers/designers. Self-employment
Technology. communication skills are also important, is common and income can vary greatly
as you have to be able to express your according to the type of work you do.
• Degree in Fashion Design with
ideas clearly. Creativity is essential and
Technology.
the ability to draw is an advantage. Getting in
• Worked in fashion retail.
• Alteration hand. What do you enjoy about your work? • Formal academic qualifications are
• Seamstress – evening and bridal wear. It is very satisfying when a customer has not always necessary to start work
• Own business as had an input into the design and you have as a clothing alteration hand.
dressmaker/designer. made a garment they like. I also enjoy However, sewing craft or fashion
being my own boss. Working with fabrics courses are a great advantage.
Lucy’s tips gives me the chance to be creative. • City & Guilds offer the 7822 Level
2 Certificate in Design and Craft
• Try to gain experience, perhaps in Is there anything you dislike? with a Fashion Wear option, and
a clothing alteration shop during I find it hard to take time out from the 7815 in Basic Sewing Skills.
school or college holidays. designing and sewing to do the book • A wide range of BTEC national
• Take every opportunity to study keeping, which is a core part of running certificates/diplomas, HNDs and
art-based courses. your own business. degree courses in fashion and
• Take business studies as well as design provide training and skills
fashion and clothing, as this will What about the training? for this field.
help you if you set up a business Much of the training has been on the • Apprenticeships (Skillseekers in
in the future. job, although I learnt a lot about garment Scotland) may also be available.
construction at university.
9Production
Leather machinist
Clothing sewing machinist
What sort of equipment and tools do
Julie Kelly works as a you use?
machinist technician for I use a heavy duty sewing machine
designed for working with leather and
a company that makes another machine to sew the linings. A
leather jackets. Each jacket sharp knife helps me to make precise cuts
on the leather. Sometimes the leather
is unique and presents needs to be pressed down on the seams
different challenges. Julie using a hammer, and I also use pliers to
reduce the number of teeth in a zip.
also repairs specialist
leather clothing. How do you see your future?
I would like to stay within the same
company and develop my skills in
training others in the work.
Related jobs
What does your job involve? What skills do you need for this type
of work? Clothing alteration hand
When making a new jacket, I am given Clothing pattern cutter/grader
all the necessary pre-cut pieces. It is my Patience and meticulous attention to Tailor/dressmaker
job to sew the garment together correctly detail are vital, along with the ability to Textile technician
following individual specifications, using concentrate for long periods and to work TV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant
a heavy duty industrial sewing machine. I accurately at speed. Upholsterer
specialise in sheepskin and it is important
not to make any mistakes when sewing, Why did you choose this type of work? Salary information
as it is very difficult to rectify afterwards. After leaving school I trained as a
The other part of my job is making hairdresser, which I didn’t enjoy. The A clothing sewing machinist might
repairs to old jackets which are of great advertised post for a general assistant expect to earn between £12,000 and
value to their owners. This can include here looked interesting. I have always £14,000 with some experience. Salaries
anything from inserting zips and enjoyed practical work. for new staff may be lower, and those
renewing stitching, to replacing worn with extensive experience could earn
linings. Much of this work involves hand What did your training involve? in excess of £16,000. A leather
sewing as well as machine work. My training for this work has been on machinist is paid around £15,500.
the job. Very experienced staff in leather
What are your working hours? machining are always on hand to help. I Getting in
I work from 8.30am until 5.00pm from have also completed a certificate in first aid.
Monday to Thursday, and until 2.00pm on • Formal academic qualifications are
Fridays. A new jacket takes me about two not needed, although experience
Julie’s route using a sewing machine is
and a half hours from start to finish, whilst
restoring an old jacket can take two days. often essential.
• General assistant – clothing company.
• Apprenticeships are available,
Do you work alone? leading to NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in
Julie’s tips
Manufacturing: Sewn Products.
No, I work as part of a team of eight
• A high level of motivation and Apprenticeships in clothing at
people, including my manager.
commitment is essential. NVQ/SVQ Level 3 are also offered.
• Be prepared to start at the bottom • Relevant City & Guilds courses
of a company and turn your hand include Basic Sewing Skills 7815 and
to anything. Clothing and Knitting Crafts 4600.
10Working in fashion & clothing
Knitwear product
development assistant
Manufacturing production planner
What is the atmosphere like?
Jackie Nason works as I work in an office environment, in a
a product development team of ten technical and support staff.
There is a friendly atmosphere. It can be
assistant in Nottingham hectic at times, but I love the buzz when
for the designer, Paul we reach our goals!
Smith. She is part of a What personal qualities and skills do
team which produces top you need?
You need strong communication skills,
quality ladies designer along with tact in dealing with both the
knitwear. Her job involves manufacturers and designers. In addition
to technical skills and experience, a flair
trips abroad to seek new for colour and style, plus a love of fashion
raw materials. is vital.
What is your role? My job also involves a lot of administration,
Related jobs
My job involves co-ordinating all the including dealing with the manufacturers
technical aspects of the production of to ensure the whole process runs Clothing pattern cutter/grader
ladies knitwear, including jumpers, smoothly within tight deadlines. Fashion/clothing designer
cardigans and jackets. Working closely Knitting machinist
with our design team, I follow this process What hours do you work? Quality control inspector
through to our suppliers, ensuring quality I usually work from 8.30am to 5.00pm each Retail buyer
finished products. day. Occasionally, I work late if we are busy. Textile technician
What does your job involve? Salary information
From a designer’s sketch I use a specialist
Knitwear product development
computer design package to develop a
assistants can expect to start on
technical specification. I advise on the Jackie’s route around £17,000. Salaries for
selection of suitable yarns, as well as
• GCSEs. experienced staff are usually
the amount and thickness. Working out
between £20,000 and £25,000.
detailed measurements and the fit of the • Assistant with a leather
garment is also part of the job. manufacturer. Getting in
Once I have finished the technical • Assistant – Jaeger Knitwear.
specification, I instruct our manufacturer • Part-time Degree in Textiles and • Degree or HND qualifications are
to make a sample. On receipt of the Knitwear Technology. normally essential.
completed garment, I check the dimensions • Knitwear product development • A limited number of specialist
and quality, making changes as necessary. assistant – Paul Smith. fashion knitwear courses are
available, although a general
What else do you do? Jackie’s tips fashion design or technology course
I go to Italy twice a year to visit yarn fairs, would provide a good background
where I source the raw materials for our • It is important to be fully trained – for this career.
knitwear. I am always looking out for new aim for a specialist clothing • Entry is with a good portfolio and
products, such as sheer, lightweight yarns technology degree. either a foundation course in art
and those with elastic in their composition, • Organisational skills are important and design or a BTEC National
which give shape and stability to the as they help with the administrative Diploma in Clothing, or equivalent
garments. The yarn suppliers give me aspects of the job. qualifications.
swatches that I pass to our designers.
11Production
Footwear manufacturing
operative
Footwear manufacturing operative
Colin Wilson works as a
heel scourer for Church’s
and Co in Northampton, a
manufacturer of traditional
gentlemen’s hand-finished
shoes. Each pair of shoes
takes eight weeks to make
and his job is to create a
perfect finish to the heels.
What is your role? The heels that are passed to me for What did your training involve?
My job involves scouring shoe heels scouring are rough and unfinished. I use All my training has been on the job.
to give a smooth and fine finish. I a special scouring machine, which has When I started, an experienced operative
occasionally help with staining the sole, differing abrasive wheels, to achieve the showed me how to use the heel scouring
using ink to ensure the colour matches desired finish. Knowing how to apply the machines and the inking and rub up
the leather on the uppers, and rubbing right amount of pressure to the heel is an processes for heels.
up the outside of the soles, using wax important skill I need.
to create a perfect heel. What challenges do you face?
Why did you choose this type of work?
Each day presents a challenge, as I have
What are your working hours? Previously, I worked as a butcher, which to get people’s conversations translated
I work from 7.30am until 4.30pm from I didn’t enjoy. I decided to change my by writing or gestures. I attend company
Monday to Thursday, with half an hour career and I heard about this job through meetings with a sign language interpreter
for lunch, finishing at 12.30pm on Fridays. my family. As I have a hearing impairment who helps me understand the
my mother came to the interview with conversations – this helps a lot.
me to act as an interpreter.
Who do you work with?
I work as part of the finishing room team,
although when I use the heel scouring
machine I work alone.
Colin’s route
What is your working environment like?
• Apprentice butcher.
Church’s and Co is an old factory
• Footwear manufacturing operative
building, with three levels of floors for
– Church’s and Co Footwear.
different types of work. I work on the
ground floor, which is warm and light.
Colin’s tips
What special skills or qualities do you • Try to get experience of practical or
need for your job? mechanical work.
Accuracy is important, as a perfect finish • Keep an open mind about what you
to the shoes is vital. This is a very practical want to do in the future and be
job, so the ability to work with your hands prepared to undertake training and
is important. You also need to be able to try new things.
work at speed.
12Working in fashion & clothing
Textile technologist
Textile technologist
What do you like about your job?
This job gives me an opportunity to Sushank Agarwal is a
communicate with other people. Although textile technologist for
I have hearing and speech difficulties,
I tend to use gestures and writing for Marks and Spencer and
my conversations.
is based in London. His
role is to make sure that
their customers can buy
Related jobs clothes manufactured
Clothing sewing machinist
from the latest and most
Engineering craft/CNC machinist innovative fabrics.
Leather craftworker
Leather technologist
Shoe repairer
Textile technician
What does your job involve? What is the working environment like?
Salary information Part of my job involves working with I work in an open-plan office alongside
The minimum wages set by the shoe overseas manufacturers to develop other members of the team, which is
industry are £7,126 at aged 16 years, exciting new fabrics for the next season’s light, spacious and airy.
£8,144 at 17, and £10,180 for those garments. Developing contacts within
aged 18 and over. Highly skilled textile manufacturing is important to Who do you work with?
experienced staff could earn well in keep up to date with new technologies. Our team comprises a garment
excess of the minimum adult rate – I do this by visiting manufacturers, fabric technologist, a merchandiser and a product
up to around £20,000 a year. fairs and other High Street retailers. developer, as well as the manager. Two
Liaising with fabric testing houses is administrators provide valued support.
Getting in another part of my job, as all fabrics must
meet the highest standards. I also visit Sushank’s route
• Jobs in footwear manufacture are fabric mills overseas to find new suppliers
available in certain parts of the UK and check that they are complying with • A levels in chemistry, physics
only; the largest area is Northampton. these standards. and mathematics.
• Formal academic qualifications are • Degree in Textiles Technology
not always necessary, depending on Are there any other aspects to your job? and Management.
the job. English and mathematics I also monitor stock quality using customer
at GCSE/S grade are helpful, along • Part-time retail work whilst studying.
feedback. I need to ensure the fabrics we
with practical subjects such as craft, • Textile technologist – Marks
use meet our performance standards, for
design and technology. Practical and Spencer.
example, for colour fastness, tear strength
skills and experience of using tools and durability. This involves liaising with
are a great advantage. Manual Sushank’s tips
industry experts and dyeing and finishing
dexterity is very important and technologists.
may be tested at interview. • Try to develop leadership and
team skills, perhaps through
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Footwear What hours do you work? sporting activities.
Manufacture, and Level 3 in Footwear
I start at around 8.30am and finish at • Choose science subjects at school
and Leather Manufacture are offered.
6.00pm. I can work longer hours when or college, particularly chemistry.
Apprenticeships are also available.
I’m overseas. I usually travel overseas
A foundation degree in technical • Retail experience is a great
about six times a year.
textiles with related modules in advantage as it helps to develop
footwear is being developed. customer awareness.
13Production
What personal qualities and skills
do you need? Related jobs Jonathan Bell works as
As well as a strong background in textiles, Leather technologist a clothing packer for
commercial awareness is essential, along Quality control inspector
with good analytical and leadership skills. Retail buyer J Barbour and Sons, a
A background in science, particularly Textile designer company that manufactures
chemistry, is useful. Textile dyeing technician
Textile technician waxed jackets and other
Why did you choose this career? outdoor clothing. He packs
The sciences were my favourite subjects Salary information
at school and I love clothing and fashion. clothes into boxes and
A trainee graduate textile technologist
might earn from £14,000 to £20,000. helps to dispatch the
What about the training? This could rise to between £25,000 and
My training lasted two-and-a-half years,
goods throughout the
£43,000 with experience, rising above
beginning with a six-month period spent £50,000 for those in senior positions. UK and overseas.
shadowing an experienced technologist.
During the next year I was given more Getting in
responsibility, dealing with customer
service returns and visits to suppliers. • A degree in textile technology
In the final six months my role developed is essential. Courses with strong What does your job involve?
to that of a normal technologist, with science content provide the I use a computer to scan the different
responsibility for running the department. best background. items of clothing which arrive from our
• Textile science and technology manufacturing factory. They are then
Do you use any special equipment? degree courses often require carefully packed into boxes, ensuring
Computers are at the centre of our A levels/H grades in maths and they are not crushed or damaged. It is
work and I also use some fabric analysis either chemistry or physics, or important to use as few boxes as possible
equipment, such as a magnifying glass equivalent qualifications. to minimise transport costs.
to examine fabric construction. The computer prints out labels for the
boxes and I check the addresses to
What do you enjoy about your work? Is there anything you dislike? make sure they are delivered to the
There is great satisfaction when you Overseas travel can be very demanding. right customers.
have developed a major order for fabric On returning to the UK office, there is
which is then manufactured into usually a backlog of work to catch up on. What else do you do?
popular garments. If we are not busy, I help out in other
What are the main challenges? sections of the warehouse. This can include
This job has a lot of responsibility, as helping to off-load the products as they
I must always ensure the quality and arrive from the factory and selecting the
range of new fabrics meet our high goods ready for packing. Some shops
performance standards. have their own special labels and I attach
these to the garments.
How do you see your future?
I would like to become an industry expert Do you use any special equipment?
within the same company, progressing to Once the boxes are ready, I use a motorised
head of technology. pallet truck to move them to the dispatch
area, as well as a special stacker for the
larger ones. A special tape gun helps to
ensure the boxes are securely fastened.
All of our systems are computerised and
we share one computer between two
people in the warehouse.
14Working in fashion & clothing
Clothing packer
Clothing packer
Has the company provided any training?
On joining the company, I spent two
weeks shadowing another member of the
packing team, learning all aspects of the
job. The company has also provided
training in health and safety, and is now
introducing NVQ Level 2 qualifications in
Packaging Operations.
What do you enjoy about the work?
I enjoy the busy and friendly atmosphere.
There is great satisfaction in completing
the work to a high standard.
Is there anything you dislike?
The work can be hectic and you have to
be careful not to make mistakes, which
can be costly.
What hours do you work? What is the working environment like? Related jobs
I work an eight-hour day from 8.00am The working environment is fast paced
until 4.30pm each day, with half an hour and friendly – we all work hard together. Assembler (Light industry)
for lunch. Overtime is available during The warehouse can become hot in the Lift truck operator
peak operating periods. summer and cold in the winter, but the Removals operative
company provides special clothing to Warehouse worker/manager
Who do you work with? keep us comfortable. Salary information
There are 13 of us in the packing team,
as well as a team leader. What skills and qualities are needed for Starting salaries for packers are usually
this role? around £8,500, rising to £11,000 with
Patience is the most important quality. experience. Pay could rise to £16,000
You need to be hard working with a and above for jobs requiring additional
positive approach. The ability to use a experience, or for supervisory roles.
Jonathan’s route computer is also necessary, as is the need
to be fit and healthy due to the physical Getting in
• GCSEs. demands of the work. • Formal academic qualifications
• GNVQ Intermediate in Leisure are not usually needed, although
and Tourism. GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English,
• Canvasser with double-glazed maths and ICT (Information and
windows company. Communication Technology) are
• Clothing packer with J Barbour an advantage.
and Sons. • You need practical skills, with the
ability to work at speed. This is
Jonathan’s tips sometimes tested during the
interview. Knowledge of computers,
• Be willing to work hard. or a willingness to learn, is important.
• The ability to work well alone and Physical fitness is also an important
as part of a team is important. requirement for most jobs.
• Try to maintain a good level of • NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 and 2 in
fitness, perhaps by playing a sport. Packaging Operations are available.
15Production
Related jobs
Merchandiser Distribution manager
Purchasing manager/administrator
Retail buyer
Sales assistant
Sales manager
Merchandiser Store owner/manager
Farhan Wasti works as a Salary information
merchandiser for River An assistant merchandiser might earn
from £18,000 to £27,000, depending
Island, dealing with upon experience. Merchandisers are
approximately 200 stores paid between £25,000 and £35,000,
rising to £55,000 for senior positions.
across the UK and Ireland.
He ensures all the stores Getting in
have the right stock levels • A degree is normally required in a
business related subject or another
of men’s knitwear, which relevant discipline, such as fashion
involves keeping extensive or retail management.
• Some companies offer graduate
sales records for each store. training schemes and may accept
graduates in any subject, if they can
offer strong analytical skills.
What does your job involve? Who do you work with? • Numeracy and analytical skills are
Each season, the buyer and I make a series I am responsible for managing and important and may be tested at
of decisions about our new range of developing an allocator, senior allocator interview, although maths A level/H
knitwear, in terms of colours, styles and and an assistant merchandiser. We also grade is not essential.
prices. Using a specialist software system, work closely with the buying team and
I extract previous sales figures to help have regular meetings with our designers,
What personal qualities and skills do
predict what will sell well in our shops. and fashion and buying directors.
you need?
Managing the distribution process of Merchandisers need a combination of
garments is one of the major elements What are the main challenges?
analytical and numerical skills to analyse
of my role. Deciding on the appropriate You have to constantly think on your feet, and interpret data. Excellent organisation
quantities and styles for each store is make quick decisions and always be flexible and time management skills are also
based on a number of factors, such as enough to adapt to customer demands. essential. A sense of humour helps to
store size and location. Certain lines go keep the job in perspective!
to every store, whereas some of the more
high fashion orientated lines are selected
Farhan’s route
Why did you choose this career?
for specific stores. • Degree in Business Decision Analysis. Having always loved fashion, I found a
• Retail experience with River Island. temporary opportunity in a local River
Are there any other aspects to your job? Island store after graduating. I really
• Allocator – River Island.
Gauging what customers want is vital. enjoyed the work and my manager
This involves monitoring sales and liaising • Assistant merchandiser – River Island.
encouraged me to consider a career
with our factories in Hong Kong to ensure • Merchandiser – River Island. with the company.
supply meets demand. Organising repeat
garment orders and the transportation Farhan’s tips What do you enjoy about your work?
of goods, by air or ship, is also a key
• Retail experience gives you an I love the buzz when I see garments
responsibility.
understanding of the fashion market. I have put into the stores selling well.
The team atmosphere here is great and
What hours do you work? • Numerical skills are a great advantage. we also enjoy socialising together outside
Our office hours are 9.30am until 5.30pm • Personal qualities are important of work.
each day, although I occasionally need to in the retail industry and if you
work later during busy periods. combine talent with working hard,
promotion is usually possible.
16Working in fashion & clothing
Assistant
cloth buyer
Buyer
What do you enjoy about your work?
Joanna Cattanach works as It is very satisfying seeing clothes for
an assistant cloth buyer for sale in the shops, knowing that you have
been part of the team responsible for
Jaeger in London. She helps their production.
to source and buy the
What are the main challenges?
fabrics needed to make If I make a mistake, thousands of metres
sample garments. Part of of expensive fabric could be wasted.
The job therefore carries responsibility,
her job involves regular although my manager and the rest of
contact with fabric suppliers the team are always available to offer
support. Working within the timescales
throughout the world. can also be a challenge.
How do you see your future?
I would like to continue learning as
much as possible and to progress within
What is your role? Do you have a typical day? the company.
My role is to assist the cloth buyer at My first task each morning is to respond
Jaeger. I work closely with fabric mills to to my emails. The rest of the day is spent
ensure we can source the latest fabrics on a wide range of tasks, including
for the collection and maintain high developing new designs, prints and Related jobs
quality standards. colourways, and sourcing new base
Clothing pattern cutter/grader
fabrics and suppliers. I also manage our
Fashion/clothing designer
What does your job involve? fabric budget, deal with invoices and
Merchandiser
Keeping in regular contact with fabric chase the mills for deliveries.
Purchasing manager/administrator
suppliers around the world is an important Store owner/manager
aspect of my work. Visiting trade fairs What hours do you work? Textile designer
and shows is another way I keep up to I work from 9.00am until 5.15pm, although
date with fabric trends and fashions. I can work longer hours if we are very busy. Salary information
I meet regularly with our buyers, designers
and cloth manager to develop colours Do you work alone? An assistant cloth buyer might earn
No, I work closely with the cloth manager, between £20,000 and £24,000. A
and cloth for new garment ranges.
who is my boss. We work as part of a team junior buyer may earn from £24,000
with the buyers and designers, collaborating to £30,000. Experienced buyers can
to research and develop ideas. earn between £30,000 and £40,000,
with higher salaries possible for head
What is the working environment like? buyers in charge of large departments.
Joanna’s route
I work in bright and airy open-plan Getting in
• Degree in Textiles and Fashion offices. The atmosphere is very friendly
Design Management. and energetic. • Buying as a career is very
• Assistant merchandiser. competitive, with many more
• Assistant cloth buyer – Jaeger. What personal qualities and skills do applicants than vacancies.
you need? • It is often necessary to start as an
Joanna’s tips You need to be hard working and able administrator and you will usually
to prioritise a huge volume of work. need a degree or HND qualification,
• Keep a scrap book of all your ideas. A diplomatic approach to problem either in fashion, business or a
• Work experience is a big advantage. solving is also important, along with combination of the two.
communication skills.
17You can also read
