Garment maker apprenticeship

Construct garments by bringing designs to life, following specifications and quality standards

Working in the clothing industry, you’ll produce premium garments for the fashion market, such as bespoke tailored suits, creative designer womenswear, and costumes for opera and theatre, to luxury fashion and couture pieces as seen on catwalks in major capitals across the world. You may work on one-off pieces or garment samples to be replicated. You will be a proficient sewer, operating sewing machines effectively and applying stitching techniques by hand. You will work with different materials and trimmings, appropriate to the design. Your work will be completed to a high level of accuracy, with close attention to detail, and you will need good time management skills as, at times, you may need to work under pressure to meet customer or season deadlines. Typically, during the garment maker apprenticeship you would work alongside a designer and pattern cutter, taking responsibility for the assembly, finish and look of the end product. Other job titles can include costume maker, production machinist or seamstress.

Duration: 24 months

Relevant school subjects: DT and art

Entry requirements for the garment maker apprenticeship: Depend on employer, but likely GCSEs or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels

Potential salary upon completion: £24,000

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk