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Dressmaker apprenticeships

Tailors and dressmakers > Dressmaker

Creative and media | Manufacturing

Dressmaker apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • short specialised training courses


    • College

    You could take a college course, before looking for work. Courses include:

    • Level 2 Certificate in Fashion 
    • Level 2 Diploma in Fashion and Clothing 
    • Level 3 Award in Creative Craft using Dressmaking
    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 may be able to get into this job through a Level 2 apprenticeship in fashion and textiles, or by doing a garment maker Level 3 apprenticeship.

    You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. 

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to work as a dressmaker. You would need experience and the ability to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the skills they are looking for. 

    Other Routes
    You can find short courses in dressmaking techniques at adult education centres and with private training providers. These include how to use a sewing machine, pattern making and pattern cutting, They may not lead to a qualification, but they will teach you some of the skills needed for this kind of work. Some dressmakers teach themselves through online guides or books. Experience in art and design can help you get into this job.

    Dressmaker 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

    Dressmaker apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include:

    • discussing the client’s needs 
    • giving the client advice on fabrics and patterns 
    • taking measurements 
    • changing an existing pattern, or creating a new pattern for the client 
    • costing the work 
    • using the pattern to cut out the fabric pieces
    • tacking the fabric pieces together for a fitting 
    • making samples or ‘toiles’ using a sewing machine or sewing by hand 
    • fitting the garment and making adjustments to create a perfect fit 
    • keeping your accounts, if self-employed
    Working environment
    You could work in a workshop or from home.

    Career path and progression - Dressmaker apprenticeships

    With experience you could take on a supervisory role, move into a related career like fashion or textile buying, or become self-employed. You could also work in costume production for theatre, TV and film.

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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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