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Garment technologist

clothing production manager
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Manufacturing and production
Produce

Career outlook for garment technologist

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£20,000

Experienced

£35,000

Currently employed in Scotland

4,100

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help turn designs into clothes that people want to buy and wear.

You’d select and source different fabrics for a designer to use. You’d explain to a designer how clothes can be made in the most efficient way.

You’d have specialist knowledge of:

  • Production methods such as stitching and pattern-cutting
  • Different textiles and their properties
  • Manufacturing processes for clothes
  • Fashion and retail

The design and buying teams will rely on your expertise through all stages of product development from design to testing and then manufacturing the clothes for the shops.

You would:

  • Suggest changes to designs
  • Advise on suitable fabrics
  • Make sure that the clothes are made in the best way
  • Check that the garments can be produced within the budget
  • Oversee fabric testing and fittings of first samples
  • Respond to product queries
  • Analyse product returns and faults

You would work closely with other staff such as designers, pattern cutters and graders, and buyers.

Working conditions

Hours

You would work around 38 hours a week, but may sometimes need to do extra hours, for example to make sure collections are produced on time.

Travel

You would travel to meet with customers and suppliers and visit manufacturers. This would often include visiting overseas manufacturers, for example in the Far East or Southern Europe.

Environment

You would work indoors.

UK employment status

Full-time

91%

Part-time

5%

Self employed

4%

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  • Cooperating
  • Creative
  • Problem solving
  • Working with numbers
  • Attention to detail
  • Implementing ideas
  • Taking initiative
  • Time management
  • Analysing
  • Understanding

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You would need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a subject such as fashion design and manufacture.

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) with National 5 qualifications and one Higher or a relevant NC/NQ/BTEC.

To enter a Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) you will need National 5 qualifications and one to two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ/BTEC or HNC.

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) you will require a minimum of four Highers at BBBB or a relevant HND qualification.  

Useful subjects

  • English (required by most courses)
  • Art & Design (required by most courses)
  • Maths
  • Fashion and Textile technologies
  • Business subjects

You will also need

Entry to some courses will also require a portfolio.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that show an understanding of creative industries, retail and manufacture such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCQF level 5) or Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Fashion and Heritage Textiles (SVQ level 2/3).