Garment Technologist

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £30,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Garment Technologist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

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

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

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
Level 4 Diploma in Garment Technology for Fashion Retail

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

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship, or specialise in technical textiles through a higher apprenticeship.

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

Routes into this Career

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
excellent verbal communication skills
to be flexible and open to change
knowledge of maths
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

suggesting changes to clothing pattern designs
giving advice on suitable fabrics
making sure garments can be produced within budget
overseeing fabric testing and fittings of first samples
making sure that the correct garment construction methods are used
responding to product queries
analysing product returns and faults
producing quality control reports

Working Environment

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.