| want to know more about garment technologie then go ahead and read on. This information cam from Can you cut it. THE WORK: 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? 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. 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. |
| HOURS AND 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 |
| ENTRY : A relevant degree is usually preferred on entry to this industry. Relevant degrees are available in clothing technology and production from the following institutions: · De Montfort University · The Manchester Metropolitan University · Birmingham City University · Cleveland College of Art and Design For more information on university courses, visit the UCAS website: www.ucas.com. Work experience is also a good way of gaining experience of the industry and making contacts. It may also be possible to gain entry into a career in this area through an apprenticeship. For more information on apprenticeships, visit the website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk. |
| TRAINING : 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. The London college of Fashion offers a part-time diploma course in garment technology. The following qualifications are also available: · ABC Level 3 Certificate in apparel manufacturing technology · ABC Level 3 Diploma in garment technology · ABC Level 2 Diploma in apparel/footwear production For more information on the ABC qualifications, visit the ABC website: 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: 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. |
| ANNUAL INCOME : 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. Qualification information (external sources) |
