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Tailor apprenticeships

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Tailor 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 start by doing a degree in fashion or fashion and textiles, and specialise in tailoring. You could also do a degree in bespoke tailoring. You'll usually need a foundation diploma in art and design or 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

     

    College

    You could take a college course, to develop your sewing, pattern cutting and design skills. Courses include: 

    • Level 2 Certificate in Sewing and Textiles 
    • Level 2 Certificate in Pattern Cutting
    • Level 3 Diploma in Handcraft Tailoring
    You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.

    Apprenticeship
    You could complete a Level 3 apprenticeship in garment making. You could also move on to a bespoke tailor and cutter higher apprenticeship, as your experience grows.

    You may be able to get into the industry through the Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) apprenticeship programme. This can take between 2 and 6 years to complete. You would apply directly to SRBA member tailoring companies. Competition for places is strong. Entry requirements vary. 

    Work
    You could start by working as an assistant to a master tailor. You may be able to arrange this yourself, if you can show you have a keen interest in making clothes and have sewing skills.

    Tailor apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • customer service skills
    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Tailor apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day tasks may include: 

    • taking customers' measurements 
    • discussing styles and fabric 
    • working out how much the clothing will cost and how long it will take to make
    • creating a design by hand or using computer software 
    • creating a new pattern or adapting an existing one 
    • making a mock-up garment using cheaper fabrics 
    • fitting the mock-up to the customer and making alterations 
    • cutting out fabric pieces to make the garment 
    • fitting the garment to the customer and marking final adjustments 
    • stitching clothes by hand or machine 
    • carry out repairs and alterations to clothing
    Working environment
    You could work in a workshop or in a factory.

    Career path and progression - Tailor apprenticeships

    With experience, you could become a senior tailor or supervisor, or you could 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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