The apparel sector is diverse, ranging from high-end couture to mass production and fast fashion, taking garments from the designers sample room to the shop floor.

This area of industry is suffering from a shortage of skills as experienced workers are leaving the industry through retirement and are difficult to replace. Sought after skills in pattern cutting, sewing machine techniques and an understanding of manufacturing processes can be developed in a new generation of employees through this Apprenticeship pathway.

The Apprenticeship is flexible so it can suit different types of businesses who manufacture apparel, workwear, underwear, swimwear, outerwear and accessories, such as production/ manufacturing units or brand names with their own production capacity or sample rooms, perhaps with niche and specialist production needs.

The Apparel pathway can lead to progression for apprentices in the following roles:-

• Clothing Sewing Machinist
• Clothing Alteration Hand
• Dressmaker
• Production/ Bespoke Pattern Cutter
• Sample Machinist
• Pattern Grader
• Clothing Presser
• Garment Technologist
• Product Tester
• Quality Control Inspector
  

  Click on the job titles and you will be redirected to the Skillset information page for each role