Manufacturing

Garment technologist

Garment technologists check the quality of designs, fabrics and products that are sent to manufacturers for production.

Annual Salary

£23,000 to £35,000

Working hours

37 to 40

You could work: evenings; occasionally

4.8%
Future employment

There will be 4.8% more Garment technologist jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

As a garment technologist, you could:

  • advise on suitable fabrics for products
  • suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
  • make sure garments can be produced within budget
  • oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
  • make sure the correct garment-making methods are used
  • work with suppliers and manufacturers
  • analyse product returns and faults
  • update workbooks with instructions for garments' construction stages
  • produce quality control reports

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College

You could complete a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant. Courses include:

  • fashion and textiles
  • garment technology for fashion retail
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an apprenticeship with a design studio or manufacturing firm, such as:

  • Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Technical Textiles Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the UKFT for technical advice, networking opportunities and professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in the clothing industry through UKFT Futures.

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With experience, you could become a senior technologist, quality controller or technical production manager.

You could also move into research or teaching in a university fashion and textiles department.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of maths
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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