CAREER PROFILE CLOTHING ALTERATION HAND - Skillset

CAREER PROFILE
Clothing
Alteration Hand

Clothing alteration hands
modify and repair items
of clothing. They may use
hand or machine sewing
techniques and will have
expert knowledge of
garment construction.
What does a clothing
alteration hand do
They may be involved in fastening
new zips, taking in or letting out
seams, shortening or lengthening
hems and replacing trims. Clothing
alteration hands may also work
on specialist pieces, such as
bridal gowns.
The salary of a clothing
alteration hand
When starting out, a clothing
alteration hand could expect to be
paid around £11,000 a year with
experience earning up to £16,000.
Supervisors could earn £22,000
a year or more.
Hours and working environment
Alteration hands usually work around
40 hours a week. Saturday work
is common for those employed in
laundries and dry-cleaners.
Part-time work and flexible hours
are very common.
A self-employed alteration hand
may have a small, home-based
workroom. Those based in a laundry
or dry-cleaners may have a small
workroom or working area within
the store. Workrooms are usually
warm and well-lit but can be small
and cramped.
Skills and interests
To have a career as a clothing
alteration hand, it is important to
have good sewing skills. These can
be obtained on a relevant course but
on-the-job experience is also very
valuable. The following skills and
interests would also be useful:
* an interest in fashion and a
knowledge of tends and fabrics
*
*
a focused approach to work with
attention to detail
to be self-motivated and able to
work alone and to deadlines
Entry into a career in
clothing alteration
Work-based learning qualifications
such as apprenticeships or NVQs are
a common way to get started as a
clothing alteration hand and many
companies will prefer candidates
to have a relevant qualification.
Check what options are available
at your local college or visit
www.abcawards.co.uk
Further training to develop a
career in clothing alteration
Mastering different sewing
techniques comes with experience.
It can be useful to work alongside
more experienced alteration hands
to enhance practical knowledge.
A wide range of short courses,
qualifications and workshops in
tailoring and garment production
are also available from the
London College of Fashion
www.fashion.arts.ac.uk.
Opportunities in the field of
clothing alteration
Opportunities for promotion may be
limited, although supervisory posts
may be available in larger companies
to those with the relevant experience.
Experienced alteration hands could
become self-employed and may
combine alteration work with design
and craft roles. Strong business
and marketing skills are useful for
those who become self-employed.
Experienced clothing alteration
hands may also move into teaching.
Case study
Gail Sharlotte has
worked at Johnson
Apparelmaster for 20
years as a clothing
alteration hand and
has always had a
passion for sewing.
When Gail started work,
no formal qualifications
were available in sewing
so learned most of her
skills on-the-job or at
school. Gail says “Don’t be
afraid to ask for help there
will always be someone
around to offer you tips
and advice. You need to
have a good eye for detail,
have an understanding
of garment construction
and be conscientious as
someone will have to wear
the garment you are
working on”.
Gail’s work is varied as she
may be repairing an arm
sleeve one minute and
attaching a new collar
the next. Gail says “I love
the work I do as it’s really
varied and interesting
with every garment
requiring something
different and I really look
forward to coming to work.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Garment
Technologist

Garment technologists
support the design and
buying team through all
stages of garment product
development, from
design to manufacture.
Garment technologists
can be employed by
manufacturers or large,
high-street retailers.
What does a garment
technologist do
The garment technologist would be
involved in choosing an appropriate
fabric and design, which will be
in budget. They would then work
with the pattern graders to oversee
the sizing, fitting and testing of the
pre-production garments. A garment
technologist would also analyse
product returns and faults.
The salary of a
garment technologist
A garment technologist may be paid
between £15,000 and £18,000 a
year when starting out. This could
increase to around £25,000 a year
with experience. Senior garment
technologists can earn around
£50,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
A garment technologist would
typically work around 38 hours
a week, this can increase during
busy times and when deadlines
have to be met.
For the majority of the time, a
garment technologist is office-based
and the job can involve working
in a design studio. A garment
technologist may be required to
travel for work, both within the
UK and overseas.
Skills and interests
It may be useful for someone
considering a career in garment
technology to have some of the
following skills and interests:
* an understanding of manufacturing
processes and textile properties
*
*
the ability to work well alone
or as part of a team
the ability to work under pressure
and to tight deadlines
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf
Entry into a career in
garment technology
A relevant degree is usually preferred
on entry to this industry. Relevant
degrees are available in clothing
technology and production from
a number of universities, visit the
UCAS website: www.ucas.com
for more information.
Work experience is also a good
way of gaining experience of the
industry and making contacts.
Further training to develop a
career in garment technology
On-the-job development of practical
knowledge and skills is critical
to this role. Experience and skills
development will lead to promotion
opportunities.
Short and part-time courses are
also available which may be suitable
for those already working in the
industry. Other qualifications
are available from ABC awards,
visit www.abcawards.co.uk
The Textile Institute also covers
the apparel industry and offers
a range of qualifications, for
more information see the website:
www.texi.org
Opportunities in the field
of garment technology
Graduates will usually join a
company in a junior role, working
their way up through the areas
of product development, quality
control or buying before becoming
a garment technologist.
With experience, it may be possible
to gain promotion into more senior
positions, such as senior technologist
or technical manager. It may also
be possible for a senior garment
technologist to progress into a role
in research within a university or
similar institution.
Case study
Peter Capewell has
worked for Simon Jersey,
a leading corporate
and workwear specialist
based near Accrington,
for two years as a
garment technologist.
Peter started his career as
a pattern cutter working
for numerous companies
including a bespoke tailor
and a mail order company.
He has taken a variety of
qualifications to develop
his skills and gain a better
understanding of fabrics
and garment construction.
Peter had some great
mentors over the years
that encouraged his
development and provided
him with experience to move
into garment technology.
Peter says “Having worked
extensively with a variety
of products means I have
a great deal of knowledge
and understanding of
garment construction which
is essential for my job.”
Team working with the
textile technologist and
pattern cutter ensures the
best product is made for
the customer and allows
maximum creativity.
Peter’s job has allowed
for extensive travel as
many fabrics and finished
garments are made now
overseas. Peter says “Good
all round knowledge of
clothing and fabrics makes
my job easier especially
when working with overseas
companies but seeing a new
product developed from
start to finish is fantastic.”

CAREER PROFILE
Laundry
Maintenance
Engineer

A laundry maintenance
engineer is responsible for
ensuring machinery and
equipment at the laundry
plant runs efficiently
and smoothly. They must
have expert knowledge
in mechanical, electrical,
hydraulic, pneumatic and
computerised systems.
What does a laundry
maintenance engineer do
Their work revolves around ensuring
machinery for washing and drying
clothes for a commercial laundry is
working efficiently and effectively.
They are also responsible for testing
the water used by washing machines
to make sure it is balanced correctly
for clothes washing.
Senior engineers and managers will
also be involved with administration
work to ensure systems and
procedures are adhered to.
The salary of a laundry
maintenance engineer
A laundry maintenance engineer
could expect to be paid around
£16,000 per year as an apprentice
engineer, with experience this can
rise to £21,000. Supervisors will
earn around £18,000 to £25,000.
Managers could earn up to £30,000
per year or more.
Hours and working environment
Laundry maintenance engineers
usually work around 39 hours a
week. Although weekend work is
not common in a commercial
laundry, you will be required to
be ‘on-call’ occasionally in case
of emergency breakdowns.
Laundry maintenance engineers
working environment is on the plant
floor and will be working closely
with machinery so it can be noisy.
Due to working with water and
steam it can be hot.
Skills and interests
You will need to be multi-skilled
with electrical and mechanical
qualifications and knowledge.
A good understanding of maths
and science is also essential.
* an interest in machinery
and fixing equipment
*
*
to be logical, practical
and adaptable
to be self-motivated to work
alone or as part of a team
* physically fit
Entry into a career in laundry
maintenance engineering
You will need some qualifications
to become an engineer and passes
in maths and science GCSE are a
must. Work-based apprenticeships
are a common route for many
entering engineering. For more
information on apprenticeships,
visit the apprenticeship website:
www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
The Institution of Engineering and
Technology website has details
of UK colleges offering
engineering courses.
Further training to develop
a career in laundry
maintenance engineering
As technology changes and becomes
more efficient, many engineers find
they need to do short courses to keep
their skills and knowledge up to date.
Many businesses will assist with this
element of further training and it will
often be tailored to suit the business
you work for.
Opportunities in the field of a
laundry maintenance engineer
Once you have an engineering
qualification you can move into
many sectors not just laundry and
dry cleaning. There are opportunities
to develop your skills and training
and you can work your way up to
supervisor or managerial levels in
some companies.
Case study
Andy Pitts has worked at
Johnson Apparelmaster
for almost two years
and has recently been
promoted to senior
maintenance engineer at
the commercial laundry
based in Hull.
Andy worked while studying
for his marine engineering
apprenticeship. This led him
to do engineering work in
many areas including boiler
maintenance and laundry.
Andy says “To become a
maintenance engineer you
need to be multi-skilled with
electrical and mechanical
training. You need to be
able to think problems
through logically and have
a good head for numbers.
Being physically fit is also
an advantage.”
Andy’s job is not just about
working with hand tools,
many of the machines are
computerised so expertise
in electronics and electrics
are essential. There is also
a very scientific element
involved to make the water
soft for washing clothes.
Andy says “My work is
really varied as every
problem is different so
it makes it interesting.
Technology is always
changing so I am always
learning something new.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Pattern Cutter
or Grader

A pattern cutter is
responsible for turning
a designer’s sketch into
a working pattern,
which can be used when
constructing the garment.
A pattern grader takes
a pattern and produces
scaled-up and scaleddown
versions, to enable
manufacturers to reproduce
the same garment,
but in different sizes.
These roles will often be
combined together.
What does a pattern cutter
or grader do
A pattern cutter takes a designer’s
drawing or modifies existing patterns
to create a prototype pattern
template. A typical technique is to
cut pieces of fabric, which are then
draped and pinned over a dummy
until they hang correctly. Each piece
is then used to create a cut-out card
or paper template.
Using this prototype pattern, pattern
graders produce different pattern
sizes so that clothing manufacturers
can re-create one design in a variety
of different sizes. They alter the
proportions digitally or by hand.
The different pattern grades are
then sent to clothing manufacturers,
enabling them to produce the
finished garments.
The salary of a pattern
cutter or grader
The starting salary of a pattern cutter
or grader can be between £11,000
and £18,000 a year. Experienced
cutters/grader can earn over
£20,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Pattern cutters and graders normally
work between 37 and 39 hours
a week. Overtime hours may
be required when working to
deadlines and part-time hours
may be available.
They would normally be based in
a studio or workroom; this space
will be light and well lit. It will also
be spacious so that patterns can be
laid out. Those using computerised
programmes may also be based in
front of a computer screen.
Skills and interests
It may be useful for someone
considering a career as a pattern
cutter or grader to have some
of the following skills and interests.
* an interest in fashion and trends
* the ability to interpret a designer’s
working drawing
*
knowledge of garment construction
and pattern cutting techniques
* good IT and numeracy skills
* the ability to work quickly and
accurately within a team
Entry into a career in pattern
cutting or grading
There is a strong demand for pattern
cutters and graders with the relevant
technical skills and so employers
usually look for people who have
some form of relevant training.
The usual route into this work is
to begin as a pattern cutting or
grading assistant. With training
and experience it is possible to
progress into the role of pattern
cutter or grader.
For more information on the ABC
qualifications, visit the website:
www.abcawards.co.uk
Some fashion design degree courses
incorporate the key technical
elements needed for a career in this
area. For more information about
university courses, visit the UCAS
website: www.ucas.co.uk
Further training to develop
a career in pattern cutting
or grading
It may be possible for those working
in the sector to work towards the
following qualifications whilst
on the job.
Several institutions, such as the
London College of Fashion www.
fashion.arts.ac.uk offer short courses
in pattern cutting. The Textile
Institute www.texi.org also offer a
range of professional qualifications.
Opportunities in the field of
pattern cutting or grading
A pattern cutter or grader with the
relevant experience can expect to be
promoted to head pattern cutter or
grader overseeing a team of pattern
cutters/graders. They may also be
able to move into a career in design
or buying.
Case study
Mary Aspinall is a
pattern cutter and grader
for Simon Jersey, a
leading corporate and
workwear specialist
based near Accrington.
Mary has seventeen
years pattern cutting
and grading experience.
Mary completed a fashion
design course which covered
some pattern cutting. Upon
graduating, she decided
that a hands-on role would
suit her best and chose to
become a pattern cutter.
Making clothes into different
sizes, known as grading, is
a skill she has learnt during
her working life and the use
of computers is essential for
this element of the job.
Mary’s has developed an
eye for what is a good fit
and cut, Mary says “My
experience means that
without looking too closely
at a garment I can see
how well it’s been cut. It’s
particularly important that
corporate wear is made
well and comfortable as
it represents a brand, is
sometimes worn for long
periods of time and needs
to last.”
Mary adds “There’s always
a new challenge with my
job, turning a design into
a finished garment that’s
wearable, looks good
and meets the design
expectations is really
rewarding.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Sample Machinist

Sample machinists are
a key part of the clothing
design team. They work
closely with designers,
garment technologists
and pattern cutters
to create the first
made-up sample
of a garment design.
What does a sample
machinist do
A sample machinist will follow the
instructions of the designer, pattern
cutter and garment technologist
when sewing the sample together.
They may occasionally use handsewing
techniques but their work
most commonly requires the use of
a sewing machine. They will also
be involved in the pressing of the
finished garment.
An experienced sample machinist
may also be involved in making
quality control checks during
production and helping the other
machinists during busy periods.
The salary of a sample machinist
The starting salary for a sample
machinist may be between £11,000
and £18,000 a year. This may
increase with experience to around
£20,000 a year. Very experienced
and senior sample machinists may
earn around £30,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
A sample machinist would typically
work between 37 and 40 hours
a week, additional hours may be
required when deadlines need
to be met.
A sample machinist is usually based
in an office environment where they
are sat alongside the design team
so that questions can be answered
quickly. This environment will be
clean and well-lit with plenty of
room for laying out patterns and
experimenting with material.
Skills and interests
It may be useful for a person
considering a career as a sample
machinist to have some of the
following skills and interests:
* excellent sewing skills (both
hand and machine)
*
*
knowledge on production
methods and fabric types
basic knowledge of design
and the ability to advise on
garment construction
Entry into a career as
a sample machinist
Work-based learning such as an
apprenticeship or NVQ qualification
would be useful for this job, however,
it is usual to progress into this
role after gaining the relevant
experience as a sewing machinist
on a production line. Check
what options are available
at your local college or visit
www.abcawards.co.uk.
Further training to develop a
career as a sample machinist
Once working, it is usual for the
employer to provide on-the-job
training on different production
methods, techniques and fabric
and product types.
It may be possible for someone
already in the industry to work
towards vocational qualifications
which will help with career prospects.
Opportunities for a
sample machinist
There may be opportunities for a
sample machinist to progress to
a higher-level technical role, such
as garment technologist or quality
control inspector.
It may also be possible for a sample
machinist to extend their role to
include the design of garments.
Case study
Cath Rawse is sample
machinist at Simon
Jersey, a leading
corporate and workwear
specialist based near
Accrington, she has
worked for the company
for seventeen years.
Over the length of her
career, Cath has worked
for a various clothing
manufacturers as a sewing
machinist and has been
involved with making a
range of clothes from
menswear, childrenswear,
workwear and exclusive
bridal wear. With the
exception of bridal wear,
much of this work was
piece-work meaning she
was involved with making
one element of the garment.
Cath says “All my previous
experience really benefits
me in my current role –
making full garments is
great because it pulls all
the different sewing and
making skills together.”
Whilst at Simon Jersey,
Cath completed her Level
2 NVQ in Manufacturing
Sewn Products. She really
enjoyed this as she
learnt new knowledge
around health and safety
and she produced her
own portfolio of work.
Cath adds “I really enjoy
my work as there’s always
something new to do and a
new challenge to overcome.
It’s really great when you
see the finished garment
you’ve made up and
the customer loves it.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Textile Technologist

Textile technologists
are concerned with the
scientific make-up of
fabrics. They may work in
production, quality control,
sourcing or research and
development teams.
What does a textile
technologist do
Textile technologists often work
in-house for clothing companies,
conducting research and sourcing
fabrics to meet a brief. They may
also support the buying, marketing
and sales teams within the company.
Duties will include sourcing
fabrics that are fit for purpose,
conducting quality control tests for
properties such as crease resistance.
Experimenting with dyeing or
production processes and liaising
with suppliers to get the right fabric
at the right price.
Textile technologists often work in
a supervisory or management
capacity, overseeing the running
of a team of people.
The salary of a fabric technologist
Starting salary is usually around
£21,000 a year. This will increase to
between £25,000 and £35,000 a
year with experience. A research and
development textile technologist or
those with management duties may
earn up to £45,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Textile technologists usually work
around 40 hours a week. Early
morning or late night work may be
required when liaising with overseas
suppliers or overseeing production
runs. Travel within the UK and
overseas may also be required.
Textile technologists are usually
based in an office within the
production facility. They will also
spend much of their time in a
laboratory environment when
conducting fabric testing.
Skills and interests
It may be useful for someone
considering a career as a textile
technologist to have some of the
following skills and interests:
* able to lead a team and
prioritise workloads
*
*
*
have excellent communication
and organisation skills
be knowledgeable of production
processes and textile fabrics
interested in solving problems and
experimenting with new ideas
Entry into a career in
textile technology
Most employers in this area will
expect candidates to have a degree
or a HND in a relevant subject, such
as chemistry, physics, maths, textile
science or textile management.
There are a wide variety of courses
available at this level, for more
information, visit the UCAS website:
www.ucas.co.uk
Promotion without degree from a
relevant position, such as a textile
technician, may also be possible.
Further training to develop a
career in textile technology
Further training is usually carried
out on the job under the supervision
of more experienced colleagues.
Large companies may also offer
management training schemes
for their textile technologists.
The Textile Institute offers a range
of qualifications for those working in
this area. For more information on
these, visit the website: www.texi.org
Opportunities in the field of
textile technology
With experience, it is possible for a
textile technologist to take on wider
responsibilities within technical
management, production and
quality control.
Those with the relevant skills and
experience may also be able to
work on a self-employed basis,
providing consultations for a
variety of different companies.
Case study
Cheryl Murray has
worked for Simon Jersey,
a leading corporate and
workwear specialist
based near Accrington,
for two years as a textile
technologist. Cheryl
has twenty four years
experience in the job for
a number of companies.
Cheryl completed an
Associateship of the Textile
Institute that gave her a
good understanding of the
scientific make-up of fibres
and the processes they go
through to become finished
fabrics. Cheryl says “The
course gave me a great
base but you can’t fully
appreciate fabrics and
the processes they go
through until you are
working in industry.”
A large part of Cheryl’s
job is ensuring fabrics are
fit for purpose, this is
especially important when
producing workwear.
Cheryl adds “Consistency
of quality and knowledge
of fabrics is imperative for
corporate wear so a good
eye for detail, listening
to the customer and the
designer are essential
parts of my job.”
Cheryl really enjoys her job
and loves watching fabrics
come alive when being
made in to a garment.
Cheryl adds “My job is really
exciting and there are many
opportunities, particularly
overseas, for young people
coming through.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Leather Technologist

Leather technologists
supervise and manage
the process of the
conversion of raw hides
and skins into leather
used to make a variety of
products, including shoes,
accessories and upholstery.
What does a leather
technologist do
A leather technologist’s work is
both scientific and technical. They
may be involved in the process of
turning the raw animal hides and
skins into leather. Technologists
will also be involved in the scientific
side of leather production, including
developing the appropriate dyes
and finishes and experimenting
with new techniques.
The salary of a leather
technologist
The starting salary for a leather
technologist may be around £14,000
a year. This would increase to around
£20,000 a year with experience. At
senior level, a leather technologist
could earn over £30,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Leather technologists employed in a
tannery would work around 40 hours
a week. Shift work may be involved
and overtime and part-time hours
may be available.
Some technologists work in a tannery
environment, which can be dirty
and smelly. They may have a small
laboratory attached to the tannery
where they can perform experiments.
Other technologists work in a factory
environment or workshop.
Skills and interests
To have a career as a leather
technologist, it may be useful to
have some of the following skills
and interests:
* to be good at science, particularly
chemistry and have good
numeracy and IT skills
*
*
*
to be able to plan projects and
communicate ideas effectively
to be able to manage and
supervise others and work
as part of a team
have some knowledge of
mechanics and engineering
Entry into a career in
leather technology
A wide range of qualifications are
available in the field of leather
technology and entry into a job in
this area is possible in a variety of
different ways. Apprenticeship and
NVQs in footwear and leather goods
offer a route in, however the main
qualifications for leather technology
are awarded by the British School of
Leather Technology at the University
of Northampton.
Further training to develop a
career in leather technology
Continued professional development
is very important in this area and
there are a number of professional
courses available, which will help an
experienced technologist progress
their career.
The British School of Leather
Technology at the University of
Northampton, The Society of Dyers
and Colourists (SDC) and The BLC
Leather Technology Centre all offer
a wide range of training courses for
the leather industry.
Opportunities in the field
of leather technology
It may be possible to move from
work as a leather technologist to
other jobs in production, quality
control, research or technical
management. Technologists can
also move into related areas such
as buying, sales or marketing. There
are good opportunities for leather
technologists to work abroad or set
up their own consultancy business.
Case study
Amanda Michel is a
leather technologist
for her own company,
Leather Wise Ltd, offering
problem solving and
training services to the
leather supply chain.
Amanda is involved with
virtually every aspect of
the leather business from
the animal on the farm,
through each stage of the
leather making process,
onto product design and
manufacture. Amanda
says “My core business is
to do with helping people
with problems they may
have with their leather. For
example, if someone has
bought a leather sofa and
the colour is coming off, I
can run a series of tests such
as rub fastness or looking
at it under a microscope.
This will determine whether
the customer is entitled to
a replacement or their
money back.”
Amanda has acted as an
expert witness for trading
standards and is also an
information resource for
all aspects of the leather
supply chain. She has
articles regularly published
in the trade press. Amanda
adds “I really enjoy my job
as every day is different
and each day brings a
new challenge!”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Footwear
Manufacturing
Operative

Footwear manufacturing
operatives use a range
of handcraft tools and
semi-automated equipment
to create footwear
products. They may
produce many different
types of footwear from
fashion shoes to trainers
and safety footwear.
What does a footwear
manufacturing operative do
A footwear manufacturing operative
will usually be involved in each
stage of the production process.
This includes cutting the leather,
stitching the pattern pieces together
and moulding the shoe into shape.
They would also be involved in
creating a ‘last,’ which is the mould
that the shoe will be formed around.
They would use the last to stitch the
pattern pieces together in the correct
shape, before fitting soles and heels
to the finished product. The shoe
would then be stained, polished
and buffed and the lasts removed.
The salary of a footwear
manufacturing operative
A footwear manufacturing operative
can expect to earn between
£12,000 and £14,000 a year when
starting out. With experience, this
may increase to between £15,000
and £22,000 a year. Those with
considerable experience and more
responsibilities could earn around
£25,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
Footwear manufacturing operatives
normally work between 37 and 40
hours a week. The work may be split
into shifts.
The work is usually factory-based
and an operative will usually spend
much of the day on their feet.
Skills and interests
To become a footwear manufacturing
operative, some of the following skills
and interests would be useful:
* practical skills in tool handling
and using machinery
*
*
*
the ability to follow instructions
quickly and accurately
the ability to work alone or
as part of a team
an awareness of health
and safety issues
Entry into a career in footwear
manufacturing
There are no formal entry
requirements to become a footwear
manufacturing operative, but
good practical skills are essential.
Employers may set a practical
test at the interview stage.
It may also be useful to gain a
relevant qualification and many
companies offer work-based learning
such as apprenticeships or NVQs.
Further training to develop a
career in footwear manufacture
On-the-job training is very important
and skills can be developed by
working alongside more experienced
colleagues. Training is likely to
include production methods,
machine operations and health
and safety.
A footwear manufacturing operative
may be able to move into the related
careers of production management,
footwear design or retail buying.
Some universities offer qualifications
relevant to such a career move,
for more information on university
courses, visit the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Opportunities in the field of
footwear manufacture
There may be opportunities for
footwear manufacturing operatives
with the right skills and experience
to progress into supervisory
roles within the company, such
as management, engineering
maintenance and quality control.
It may also be possible to specialise
in custom-made footwear, such as
luxury bespoke shoes, orthopaedic
shoes or specialist historical and
theatrical costume footwear.
Case study
David Preedy works
for Loake Shoemakers,
as part of the
manufacturing process
where he is a back
part moulder. He has
worked for the company
for thirty two years.
David started without any
formal training in shoe
making and has learnt his
skills on-the-job from other
experienced colleagues.
David’s job means he
moulds the heel part of the
shoe by using a specialist
machine, that uses both
heat and freezer moulds
to make the shape. The
uppers are then transferred
to the Muller room where
the leather is softened
so it doesn’t crack when
it goes to be lasted. “You
need to be conscientious
and be prepared to do
a good job. Team work
and communication skills
are essential.”
David has spent most of his
working life doing back part
moulding although he has
worked in other areas of the
factory. He also has the role
of a Union representative
and has a keen interest in
skills development. David
adds “I enjoy the work here
and ensuring the product
made well but the best part
is the people I work with.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf

CAREER PROFILE
Production
Manager

A textiles production
manager is responsible
for overseeing all stages
of the textile manufacturing
process. They make sure
that the products are the
right quality and can be
delivered to a set timescale.
What does a production
manager do
A production manager is likely
to work closely with the planning
manager to discuss working
schedules and plan the work for the
day. It is the production manager’s
responsibility to make sure each
department knows what is expected
of them and find out if there are any
problems with the production plan.
As well as discussing the work with
each section of the production team,
a production manager would also
work closely with suppliers and
machine maintenance technicians.
Hours and working environment
Production managers often work
around 40 hours a week, which is
split into a shift system including
some weekend and evening work.
Production managers are also often
‘on-call’ outside of their working
hours in case there are any issues
holding up production.
Production managers are often
based in an office within a factory
environment, which can be noisy and
dirty. Due to the growth of global
markets, production managers may
be required to manage supply
chains that extend overseas,
involving some travel.
The salary of a
production manager
Starting salaries are likely to be
between £20,000 and £37,000
a year. Experienced production
managers could earn between
£40,000 and £65,000 a year.
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf
Skills and interests
To become a production manager
some of the following skills and
interests would be useful:
* excellent knowledge of each
part of the production process –
from design to production
*
project and people
management skills
* organisational and planning skills
* the ability to work under pressure
in a demanding environment
*
a willingness to work flexibly
and travel when needed.
Entry and training
There are no formal academic
requirements to become a
production manager, although most
people in this position have worked
their way up through the business.
Production managers need to have
in-depth knowledge of the industry
they are working for, so on-the-job
training is usually provided.
It may also be possible to complete
a BTEC, HND or degree in textiles
production or business, although
extensive experience of the industry
is also usually required.
Further training to develop a
career as a production manager
It is possible to acquire a professional
qualification, such as offered by The
Institute of Operations Management
(IOM) or the Chartered Management
Institute (CMI) and it may be
advantageous to do so. In any
case, managers need to continually
update their knowledge and
experience as new systems and
processes become available.
Opportunities for a
production manager
Some production managers
eventually pursue a more strategic
role and become involved with
long-term planning rather than
day-to-day operations. In larger
organisations, a production
manager may well be responsible
for production on a number of sites,
and opportunities to set up and
manage operations overseas may
arise with multinational firms.
Case study
Michael Cook has worked
in the textile industry all
his working life. He is
currently the production
manager at Pennine
Weavers Ltd, a weaving
mill based in Keighley.
The mill specialises in
creating suiting fabrics
for high-end and
specialist clients.
Michael started his career
in the textile industry as a
mill assistant where he was
responsible for sweeping
the floors. Since then he has
worked his way up through
two textiles companies to
the senior position he is in
now. All Michael’s training
has been on-the-job, where
he has learned from more
experienced colleagues.
As he worked his way
up through the business,
Michael has a good
understanding of each
of the manufacturing
processes. This is essential
for his job, he says: “You
need to know a bit about
every department from
design to final production so
you can step in and sort out
any problems as they occur.”
The job of a production
manager is often very
demanding as they are
responsible for ensuring
all stages of production
run to strict timescales and
quality standards. Michael
says “I enjoy the challenge
of the job the most and the
sense of achievement I get
when the products come
in on time and to the right
standards. This also keeps
the customers happy so
they will come back!”

CAREER PROFILE
Weaver

A weaver works within
the textiles industry, using
highly technical weaving
looms to create fabrics.
What does a weaver do
A weaver may be involved in using
hand-weaving looms, which can be
physically demanding. They may also
be involved in programming and
operating computerised machines.
These are more commonly used in
modern factories today as they can
work to very high specifications.
It is also the weaver’s responsibility
to ensure the machines are running
to capacity and identify any problems
quickly and efficiently.
The salary of a weaver
The starting salary for a weaver
may be between £12,000 and
£15,000 a year. This would
increase with experience to
around £18,000 a year.
Hours and working environment
A weaver usually works between
37 and 40 hours a week, this could
be split into a shift pattern.
Weavers are usually based in a
factory environment, which can be
noisy. Protective ear defenders and
clothing may have to be worn. The
work can be physically demanding
and a weaver will spend a large
portion of the day on their feet.
Skills and interests
It may be useful for a person
considering a career as a weaver to
have some of the following skills and
interests:
* good practical ability and
an understanding of the
machines used
*
*
the ability to concentrate for
long periods of time and do
repetitive work
an understanding of fabric
structure, colour and pattern
* an interest in fabric trends
* an understanding of health
and safety procedures
Entry into a career in weaving
There are no formal entry
requirements to become a weaver
and on the job training will be
provided. Employers usually look
for applicants with good practical
ability and an interest in the area.
Further training to develop
a career in weaving
For those already in employed in
this area, it may be possible to
study towards a relevant vocational
qualification, which contains weaving
units. Check what options are
available at your local college or
visit www.abcawards.co.uk.
Many fashion and textiles courses
at higher education level also offer
weaving modules. This may help
a factory-based weaver to move
more into the creative design side of
weaving. For more information on
university courses, visit the website:
www.ucas.co.uk.
Opportunities in the field
of weaving
Experienced weavers could
progress into the role of team
leader or trainer. They may also
be able to move into related
areas of the industry, such
as the manufacturing side.
Those who have studied towards
a related degree may also be
able to progress into a career in
design or craft weaving. Many
weave designers or craft weavers
are self-employed and sell their
designs to private customers
as well as larger textiles companies.
Case study
Thomas Stockl is a
weaving overlooker
working for Pennine
Weavers Ltd, a weaving
mill based in Keighley.
The mill specialises in
creating suiting fabrics
for high-end and
specialist clients.
Thomas’s job means that
he checks each machine
to make sure it is running
correctly and the cloth being
woven is to the specification
the customer has ordered.
He works in a team with
three other weaving
overlookers and works
shifts. Thomas completed a
three year apprenticeship
whilst working as a weaving
technician and had further
training on-the-job to learn
his role. He also travelled
to Germany for training
on the looms.
Thomas will be required
to fix any breakdowns with
the weaving looms. He says
“Having an understanding
of mechanics is essential
and some metal work
skills as I sometime have
to make my own spare
parts. Knowledge of
electronics and computers
is also helpful.”
For more information visit
www.skillfast-uk.org/generationf