CAREER PROFILE CLOTHING ALTERATION HAND - Skillset

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