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Textile designer apprenticeships

Creative and media

Textile designer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

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


    • University

    You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in textile design. Other useful subjects include: 

    • fashion and textiles 
    • art and design 
    • textiles and surface design
    You'll usually need: 

    • a foundation diploma in art and design 
    • 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 
    College
    You may be able to get into this career by studying for a college qualification like the Level 3 Diploma in Textile Design and Manufacture. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

    Apprenticeship
    You could specialise in technical textiles through a higher apprenticeship. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship. 

    Work
    You could start work as a textile operative or design assistant, get relevant work experience and qualifications, and then move into textile design.  You'll need to present a design portfolio when you're looking for work. You can also use your portfolio to make job applications to companies whose products match your style. 

    Professional and industry bodies
    You could join The Textile Institute and The Textile Society for professional development training.

    Textile designer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • design skills and knowledge 
    • knowledge of engineering science and technology 
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • persistence and determination 
    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools 
    • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Textile designer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day duties you may: 

    • work with customers to understand what they want 
    • produce sketches by hand or on a computer, using design software 
    • make up samples for the customer 
    • research design trends to decide what will sell
    • investigate new textiles made from sustainable materials 
    • work with technical staff, marketing teams and retail buyers
    • keep up-to-date with developments in manufacturing technology
    Working environment
    You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a creative studio or in an office.

    Career path and progression - Textile designer apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress to a senior design position or work as a textiles production manager. You could also move into part-time teaching, university research or set up your own business.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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