CAREER PROFILE CLOTHING ALTERATION HAND - Skillset

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.”