Working in

Design, Artsand Crafts

fashion & clothing

Includes 18

real-life case

studies covering:

� Designing

� Production

� Displaying and marketing

Now on the internetwww.connexions-direct.com/wifashandcloth

Contents

2Designing

Footwear designer

Fashion designer

Clothing pattern cutter/grader

Handbag designer

7Production

Tailor

Clothing alteration hand

Leather machinist

Knitwear product development assistant

Footwear manufacturing operative

Textile technologist

Clothing packer

Merchandiser

Assistant cloth buyer

18Displaying and marketing

Fashion model

Fashion photographer

Fashion adviser

Fashion writer/stylist

Knitwear buyer

24Further reading/

Useful addresses

What is this booklet about?It is one of over 40 in a series covering manywork sectors, subjects and careers. Each bookcontains a number of case studies showing peoplein a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is –including the good things and the bad.

Each job shows you what qualifications you will need,what training you can get and how much you might bepaid. Also, you will see which route each person took ingetting that job.

How can I find out more?Look on the website www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u whichcontains background information on these featured jobs plus manymore. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will helpyou research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisationslisted at the back of the book.

How can I contact Connexions?In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might be based at your school, college or reached at your localConnexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or e-mailthrough Connexions Direct. Open seven days a week,between 8.00am and 2.00am.

Check out www.connexions-direct.com or look in thetelephone book to find your local centre. Or ring 080 800 13219 or text on 07766 413219 for Connexions Direct.

Other formats of this booklet are available – for details see back cover.

Key to salary icons

up to £12,000

£12,001 to £17,000

over £17,000

This represents the typical starting salary for the job featured in the case study.

The fashion and clothing industry offers an exciting range of careers foryoung people at all levels and employs nearly half a million people. Eventhough the manufacture of clothes, shoes and textiles increasingly nowtakes place overseas, the UK still maintains a significant base, provided bynumerous small companies often centred in specific geographical areas.

1

So you want to work infashion and clothing?

Working in fashion & clothing

Fashion is not all about being a designer. Only about one-in-tenof the 3,000 fashion graduates each year finds work as designers.Most of these are far more likely to be interpreting trends for aHigh Street retailer than using their own original creative designs.This booklet aims to give you an idea of some of the otherinteresting jobs available, as well as case studies of designersin different parts of the industry.

Is a degree in fashion an advantage? Sometimes, yes – for some careers a degree or Higher NationalDiploma (HND) may be the only way in. The most commonroute is to take a foundation course in art and design beforestarting a design degree. One of the advantages of a degreecourse is that it often includes a module on business studies.This could be a great help if you go on to set up your ownbusiness as a designer or making clothes, or if you decide on a career in buying, merchandising or many of the other jobs available.

However, there are many other routes of entry into the sector –specific technical courses, Apprenticeships and NVQs/SVQs.Courses which focus on the technical aspects of textiles andgarment technology, including IT applications, are alsoinvaluable, both for design and other careers.

What else do I need to consider? It is important to be flexible and to keep your options open.Many companies within the sector offer work experience toyoung people, and this provides a real insight to the workingenvironment. Whatever career you decide upon, you will needto be prepared to work hard, which can involve putting in verylong hours, especially if you are running your own business.

What sort of skills and qualifications are needed? Practical and creative skills are very important for many of thejobs featured here. If you are still at school, take every opportunityto develop these skills, whether they are in photography, art,craft, design and technology, sewing, fixing and repairs ormaking things. Experience of using computer-aided design(CAD) programs and other IT applications is also a great help.Literacy and numeracy are important, and for some jobs youwill need science qualifications to an advanced level.

Are Apprenticeships available? Clothing and textile companiesare keen to improve the trainingwhich is available for youngpeople. A wide range ofApprenticeships (Skillseekers in Scotland) is now available,including sewing, IT,administration, warehousingand distribution, engineering,and customer services.

What else can give me a head start? Experience gained as a salesassistant in clothing or footwearretailing will give you an insightinto the industry and customerknowledge. Prepare a portfolioof art and design or otherpractical work that you cantake to a job interview and lso use for college or university applications.

Part-time courses, at a localcollege or adult educationinstitute, can also provide youwith valuable skills and willshow an employer that you are willing to undertake furtherstudy. Make sure you are wellinformed about the area youare applying for and readrelevant magazines, books and websites.

What hours do you work? Normally, I work from 8.30am to 6.30pm,but with the travel and running my ownbusiness, I regularly work longer hours.

What is the working environment like? It’s important to me that everyone in thecompany really enjoys their work. I makesure that it is a relaxed atmosphere andwe play music in the background. I workwith an assistant, a sales director, afinance director, the press office and my manufacturers.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You need to be artistically creative andto have a sound business mind. Mostimportantly, you need to really enjoyyour work and be passionate about it.

It also helps to have computer skills –we use creative computer packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Quark,alongside Word, Excel and Entourage.

Why did you choose this career? A shoe comprises 20 differentcomponents and I love the challenge of creating something beautiful butpractical. Also, running the businessallows me to be artistic in other areas.

2

Designing

The design world is fast moving and exciting. If you’re creative and passionate about fashion, a career indesign could be for you. Fashion designers are trendsetters, but often meet fierce competition and have towork long hours.

What is your role?My job involves designing shoes andbags, seeing them through from conceptto production, as well as controlling andimplementing business strategies.

What does your job involve? Researching ideas for future collections isthe first part of the design process, whichcan involve travelling anywhere in theworld. After making some rough drawingsin my sketch book, I compile a moodboard, with inspiration for colour, fabricand shape taken from a range of sourcesincluding poems, pictures and people. Theshoes may be made in soft leathers, orother fabrics such as raffia or silk.

I then design and develop the lasts andheels. The last is the model of the shoe,with the correct dimensions, that I sketchmy design onto. This is then sent to themanufacturer who produces the shoe.

Are there any other aspects to your job? Attending fashion events andparticipating in trade fairs in New York,Las Vegas, London, Paris and Milan are all part of my job. I also hold regularmeetings with my team in London, todiscuss progress and to implementstrategies for the growth of the business.

Promoting the brand is an important partof my work, involving regular interviewsand events. I work in collaboration withfashion designers for fashion shows andalso design and consult on collections forother brands.

Why did you decide to run your ownbusiness? I wanted the chance to create my owndesigns. I was also challenged by theprospect of making shoes that werecomfortable enough for women to wearduring the day, and yet special enough to be worn in the evening.

Beatrix Ong designs ladies’shoes and is the owner of aLondon-based business. Shehas just opened her firstshop selling her ownoriginal designs. Beatrixfinds time to market hershoes at trade fairsthroughout the world.

Footwear designer Footwear designer

• Learn as much as you can and don’t expect to stop learning.

• People skills are very important.

Beatrix’s tips

Beatrix’s route

• BA (Hons) in Graphic and Media Design.

• Footwear design course.• Designer at Jimmy Choo.• Designer at Lulu Guinness.• Short course in business

management.• Launched own collection.

3

Miranda Kirwan works as asenior designer of women’sfashion clothes at theLondon head office of HighStreet fashion retailer, RiverIsland. Her team producestwo collections of newclothes each year.

Fashion designerFashion/clothing designer

Footwear designers in their first jobmight earn around £14,000, rising to around £25,000 with someexperience. Senior designers couldearn between £30,000 and £40,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Fashion/clothing designerFootwear designerLeather craftworkerProduct designerRetail buyerTextile designer

• A degree in footwear or productdesign is the usual way into thisvery competitive career. A portfolioof art work is essential, and manypeople complete a foundationcourse in art and design beforetheir degree.

• Some universities offer degrees whichinclude footwear design, includingthe London College of Fashion’s BAProduct Design and Developmentfor the Fashion Industries and DeMontfort University’s BA (Hons)Footwear Design.

• The London College of Fashionoffers a one-year diploma course in footwear design for those withexperience in other areas, and anMA course in fashion footwear.Short courses are also available.

What is your role?I am responsible for three differentdepartments within smart ladieswear,which include blouses and dresses,tailored clothing, coats and leathergarments. These product areas have theirown designer who I supervise, alongsidetwo departmental assistant designers anda design assistant. Together, we producetwo main collections each year, dividedinto spring/summer and autumn/winter.

Working in fashion & clothing

• Confidence and self-belief are essential.

• Try to find work experience with a company you would eventuallylike to join.

• Make sure you have a strongportfolio.

Miranda’s tips

Miranda’s route

• BTEC National Diploma in GeneralArt and Design.

• BA (Hons) Fashion Design.• Designer/Creative pattern cutter.• Design room manager.• Design manager – evening wear.• River Island designer, and then

senior designer.

What do you enjoy about your work? I love meeting so many different andinteresting people.

How do you see your future?I’m hoping to slowly expand the rangeand to see the business grow.

What does your job involve? At any given time I am working ondesign collections, both for the followingseason and for next year’s season. I havea number of themes, such as cowgirl orAmerican-influenced, around which Idevelop a series of different garments for each season.

I develop the garments from the initialsketches right through to the manufacturedproducts, working closely with otherteams including our buyers. To help mewith design ideas, I visit other High Streetretailers and markets in London andoverseas. I also attend fashion fairs inParis, Florence and New York.

What happens after the initial sketchesof a new design? The next step is to prepare a detailedspecification, which includes the choice of fabric, buttons, trims, thread, stitch sizeand pockets. I then liaise with our sampleroom manager, before a sample garmentis made up.

If we are happy with the garment weproceed to a series of ‘fit meetings’,which might involve making smallchanges, before our manufacturers makea further sample. Once accepted, thegarment moves into full-scale production.

4

Starting salaries for junior designerscan be between £12,000 and £17,000.With experience, this may rise toaround £24,000. Senior designers cancommand salaries of over £50,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing pattern cutter/graderCostume designerFootwear designerRetail buyerTailor/dressmakerTextile designer

• Most designers have degree orHND qualifications. Many coursesare available, and those whichinclude business studies andclothing technology can beadvantageous. In England andWales, many students complete a foundation course in art anddesign before their degree.

• BTEC national diploma courses in fashion and clothing are alsoavailable, which can lead to degreeor HND options.

• A portfolio of art and fashiondesign work is normally essentialfor entry to courses.

What else do you do? Attending meetings with our buyers andsales managers, to review sales anddevelop our ranges, is a big part of myworking week. These meetings enable usto respond to changes in fashion trendsquickly, and ensure we bring the latestand most popular fashions into our stores.

What are your working hours? I usually work from 9.30am until 6.00pm,although I sometimes need to work laterin the evening if we are busy.

What is your working environment like?I work in a large open plan environmentwith all the designers and the sampleroom team. The atmosphere is relaxedand friendly, with a great creative buzz.

What skills do you need for this type of work? Creativity and strong communicationskills are essential, combined with anassertive and confident approach topresent your ideas effectively. The abilityto work in a team is important in such a competitive, fast-moving environment.Good drawing skills are also important,although computer drawing packages are available to help in this area.

What do you like about your job? I love the fast-changing and excitingenvironment. I find the busy atmospherestimulating. Fashion has always been myhobby and I really enjoy following thetrends and developing new looks.

Is there anything you dislike? Balancing several different demands can be challenging at times.

How do you see your future?I would like to continue within thecompany and progress to a more senior role in management.

Jennifer Coyle is a patterncutter and grader for AeroLeather Clothing, aScottish company thatmakes and restores leatherjackets. These includeflying jackets from WorldWar II as well as otherspecialist garments.

What is your role?My job is to make the patterns needed forour clothing, which may involve makingnew patterns from scratch, or usingexisting clothes to make a pattern. I alsograde the pattern into different sizes.

What does your job involve?I make the patterns using special blockswhich give me the basic shape, and thenthese are developed according to thedifferent designs. A typical jacket blockpattern would include pattern pieces forthe front and back body, sleeves, collar,facings and the lining. To restore an oldjacket, my job might involve making thepattern for a new lining.

I also help the fabric cutter with thelaying out of the fabric, which is then cut using a special machine.

What is pattern grading? Grading the pattern begins by drawingaround a base pattern size, which canthen be reduced or enlarged to produceclothes across a range of sizes. I do thismanually, although larger companiesmight use a computer.

Designing

5

What hours do you work? I usually work a normal day from 9.00amuntil 5.00pm. Each new pattern takesaround two to three hours, with a newpattern grading taking around an hourand a half.

• There is great competition for jobsin this changing industry – it’simportant to work hard and aim for the highest marks at college.

• Visit potential colleges and checkcourse content.

• Have confidence in your ability,because anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Jennifer’s tips

Jennifer’s route

• H grades in English, chemistry and Latin.

• BSc Degree in Clothing Design and Manufacture.

• Six-month university placementwith Aero Leather Clothing.

• Pattern cutter.

Clothing patterncutter/grader

Clothing pattern cutter/graderWhat is the working environment like? The sewing machines make theenvironment fairly noisy, and there can be quite a lot of dust and fibres from the fabrics.

Do you work alone? No, I liaise closely with other members ofthe manufacturing team, including thecutter and sewing machinists. This helpsto ensure that the finished garments areof the highest quality.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? Accuracy is vital – you need to beprepared to check and re-check yourwork to ensure the pattern fits togetherproperly. You also have to be very logicaland able to think things through clearly.Numerical skills are important forworking out the right measurementsneeded for different sizes.

Why did you choose this career? I like being creative and have alwaysbeen interested in fashion, sewing,dressmaking and crafts. My degree has enabled me to develop my creativeskills further.

What training have you done? My degree course included pattern cuttingand when I started with the company I shadowed an experienced worker.

Do you use any special tools? I use scissors, measuring tapes, rulers and a set square to enable me to drawparallel lines for grading.

What do you enjoy about your work? I find it rewarding making garments forpeople who may have difficulty gettingclothes to fit, due to their size and shape.

Is there anything you dislike? The noise of the sewing machines in thefactory can make concentration difficult.

Salaries can vary greatly. Patterncutters might start on around£12,000. With experience this couldrise to £20,000, and very skilled staffcould earn more.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing sewing machinistCostume designerFashion/clothing designerLeather technologistRetail buyerTailor/dressmaker

College or university based training is usually essential. Available courses include:• City & Guilds 7802-27 Pattern

Cutting and 7802-71 ComputerPattern Cutting.

• BTEC National Diploma in Clothingand Fashion.

• HND courses in fashion and clothingrelated subjects.

• Degree courses in fashion andclothing. A portfolio of design work is often necessary.

• NVQs/SVQs in Manufacturing Sewn Products at Levels 1 and 2.

How do you see your future?I would like to develop my design skillsfurther, possibly working on ladies’leather jeans and jackets.

What are the challenges in your work? Leather is much more difficult to workwith than other fabrics and requiresspecial consideration in terms of the way it handles and drapes.

Working in fashion & clothing

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You have to be very artistic and creative,with an eye for current trends. The abilityto sketch ideas is also important. Excellentcommunication skills are needed to ensureour ideas are interpreted correctly, bothwithin the design team and with ouroverseas suppliers.

Why did you choose this career? I have always loved art and design.Although I studied jewellery design, I had the chance to design handbags in my final year, using my own gold andsilver fastenings. A tannery sponsored me to make my own range of handbags.After graduating, I sold my range ofleather bags at craft fairs and undertookprivate commissions.

Are there any other aspects to your job? I travel overseas regularly, attendingtrade fairs and markets to source materialsfor the handbags, including leather, nylon,fabric and polyurethane. I also workclosely with our Hong Kong office.

How do you actually design a handbag? Once the research phase is underway,I sketch ideas and then use a computerdrawing program to produce a detailedtechnical drawing. I need to consider size,shape and colour, and also the fabric,linings, stitch colour, trims and zips.This detailed drawing is then sent to apattern cutter, who will make a sample of the handbag.

What hours do you work? I work from 8.30am to 5.30pm each day,with occasional extra hours if needed.

What is the working environment like? Jane Shilton is a family business and the working environment is very friendly.The design room is spacious and light.

Who do you work with?There are three designers in our team.I also work closely with our chairman,sales director and overseas contacts.

Sophie Scott is based inLondon and works as ahandbag designer forJane Shilton. Part of her role is researchingand developing newideas, which involvesoverseas travel.

What does your job involve? At the start of a new season, I travel toNew York, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong to look at fashion trends in the designershops and department stores, as well asattending trade fairs and visiting Londonshops. I also work closely with a companywho updates me on the latest styles andcolours. Regular meetings are held withthe design team, chairman and salesdirector, where we discuss ideas anddevelop the range.

6

Handbag designerFashion/clothing designer

• Experience gained using IT designpackages is invaluable.

• Gain knowledge of the industry by reading fashion magazines,using the internet and visitingfactories if possible.

• Be energetic and passionate about what you do!

Sophie’s tips

Sophie’s route

• Foundation course in Art and Design.• Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing.• Short course – Design for Handbags.• Self-employed, selling own range

of handbags.• Handbag designer.

Designing

Handbag designers in their first jobmight earn £17,000 a year, rising toaround £23,000 with experience.Senior designers could earn fromaround £30,000 to over £40,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Footwear designerLeather craftworkerProduct designerRetail buyerTextile designer

• A degree in fashion or a design-related subject is essential for thisvery competitive career. A portfolioof art work is essential, and manypeople complete a foundationcourse in art and design beforetheir degree.

• Some universities offer degreeswhich cover accessory design,including the London College of Fashion’s BA Product Design and Development for the Fashion Industries.

• Short courses in accessory andhandbag design are also available.

77

How is the jacket finished? After a further fitting with the customer,which may result in alterations, the jacketis sewn by machine, with the addition ofthe linings, breast and outside pockets. Eachbuttonhole is hand sewn, followed by thebuttons. Throughout the process I use asteam iron to shape and press the fabric.

What hours do you work? I work freelance and I’m paid for eachcompleted garment. I can thereforechoose my hours – I usually work from8.45am until at least 6.00pm, includingSaturdays. Each jacket takes between two and three days to complete.

Stanley Tow is a tailorworking for Kilgour inSavile Row, a highlyprestigious companymaking bespoke clothingfor men, including royaltyand celebrities. He becamean apprentice as soon ashe left school.

What is your role?My job is to make made-to-measurejackets of the highest possible quality,using a combination of hand and machinesewing techniques. The jacket pieces arehanded to me by the cutter, who meets the customer to take measurements andto discuss the choice of design, fabric and trims.

How do you start to make a jacket? My first task is to work out from the piecesI am given the style of the jacket, be itsingle or double breasted, and the numberof buttons and pocket designs. Usinghand sewn tailor tacks, I mark the positionof buttonholes, front edges and seams.

After this, I carefully cut out the canvasand other fabrics which form three layersinside the jacket. This essential preparationhelps to give weight and shape. Theselayers are then loosely stitched into thefront piece, known as the forepart. In asimilar way, I stitch the other sections ofthe jacket together – first the back seam,followed by the shoulder, collar andsleeves. Darts are sewn by machine,giving additional shape. • Visit tailors to find out about the job.

• Develop an interest in clothes andhow they are made.

• Experience of making your ownclothes is an advantage.

Stanley’s tips

Stanley’s route

• Apprentice cutter.• Apprentice tailor.• Tailor – various companies.• Tailor – Kilgour.

Tailor Tailor/dressmaker

The production side of the fashion industry offers a wide rangeof job opportunities. Those working in production have thesatisfaction of bringing designers’ creations to life and deliveringthem to the customer.

Working in fashion & clothing

What about the training? Before joining the company, I completedan intensive course in handbag designand construction. Since then, all mytraining has been on the job, workingalongside experienced designers.

Do you use any special equipment? Special design packages on the computerhelp me with my work.

What do you enjoy about your work? I love the travel.The job is constantlychanging and is always exciting. It’s sosatisfying to see someone wearing ahandbag that I have designed!

8

What is your working environment like? I work in a small workroom with anothertailor, next to other workrooms withtailors and cutters. The atmosphere isfriendly, with everyone working hardtogether to produce top quality menswear.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? Patience is the most important quality,particularly when you are learning yourcraft. You also need to be practical, withan interest in sewing. I am paid for eachjacket I complete, so the ability to workvery accurately at speed is essential.

Why did you choose this career? My mother always made clothes and as achild I played with her sewing machine.When I left school, I worked as anapprentice cutter for two years and then became an apprentice tailor.

What training have you received? My apprenticeship took five years tocomplete. Different companies also havetheir own way of tailoring and, if you movearound, you will learn new skills. All of mytraining has been on the job, learning froman experienced person, perfecting andpractising my own skills and gaining speed.

What are the main challenges? If you make a mistake you need to be verypersistent to work out what is wrong andrectify the problem, perhaps by unpickinga seam. Very light or heavy materials canalso be more difficult to sew. I ensureeach jacket I make is better than the last.

Lucy Welsh works as a self-employed dressmakerin the Midlothian area ofScotland. Working from her own studio, she makesand alters garments forcustomers, mainly women’sday and eveningwear.Sometimes, she makes new clothes for customers.

What does your job involve? A customer might bring me a skirt or adress to be shortened or taken in at theseams. A more complex alteration couldbe shortening the sleeves of a tailoredjacket. Having pinned the garment, I then alter it using the sewing machine,or by hand.

If a customer requests a new garment,I then make the garment in the chosenfabric, using the sewing machine. At the next fitting I check the finer details,such as hem length, strap length andpositioning. The garment is thencompleted, using machine and handsewing, ready for customer collection.

What sort of equipment do you use? I use an industrial sewing machine, anoverlocker to sew fabric edges, an iron,scissors, a set square, a pattern wheeland a tape measure.

What hours do you work? I usually work from 9.00am until 7.00pmabout four days a week, although I mightfinish later if I’m really busy. I combinemy dressmaking business with a part-timefashion retail job.

The starting salary for an apprenticetailor is around £9,000. An experiencedtailor could expect to earn £23,000.Highly skilled and experienced tailorscan earn as much as £50,000. Theseearnings are often based on piece work.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing alteration handClothing pattern cutter/graderClothing sewing machinistCostume designerFashion/clothing designerTV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant

• Some people enter tailoring followinga BTEC national certificate/diploma,a HND or degree course in fashionor clothing. However, it is stillnecessary to complete lengthy on-the-job training or anApprenticeship, which usually takes over three years.

• City & Guilds 7822 Level 2Certificate in Design and Craft has a tailoring option.

• The London College of Fashion offers relevant courses, such as theCertificate in Handcraft Tailoringand the Diploma in ProductionTailoring.

• Short courses in tailoring are oftenavailable, as well as City & Guildssewing courses.

• Skillfast-UK is developing anApprenticeship in tailoring, and a group of tailors in Savile Row is organising accreditedApprenticeships.

Production

What do you enjoy about your work? I love everything about this job – it’s verysatisfying to see a quality garment at theend of the process. I also enjoy makingclothes for famous people.

9

Clothing alteration hand

Clothing alteration hand

Do you work alone? Although I sew alone, there is a lot ofcontact with customers and suppliers,both in person and on the telephone.

• Try to gain experience, perhaps in a clothing alteration shop duringschool or college holidays.

• Take every opportunity to study art-based courses.

• Take business studies as well asfashion and clothing, as this willhelp you if you set up a business in the future.

Lucy’s tips

Lucy’s route

• HND in Fashion Design withTechnology.

• Degree in Fashion Design withTechnology.

• Worked in fashion retail.• Alteration hand.• Seamstress – evening and bridal wear.• Own business as

dressmaker/designer.

What is the working environment like? My purpose-built studio is light and airy,and I work surrounded by fabrics, threadsand trimmings.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You need to be patient, organised andable to plan ahead in a logical way. Goodcommunication skills are also important,as you have to be able to express yourideas clearly. Creativity is essential andthe ability to draw is an advantage.

What do you enjoy about your work? It is very satisfying when a customer hashad an input into the design and you havemade a garment they like. I also enjoybeing my own boss. Working with fabricsgives me the chance to be creative.

Is there anything you dislike? I find it hard to take time out fromdesigning and sewing to do the bookkeeping, which is a core part of runningyour own business.

What about the training? Much of the training has been on the job, although I learnt a lot about garmentconstruction at university.

Salaries for a trainee usually start at£9,000. More experienced dressmakersmight earn £14,000, and this can beconsiderably higher for successfuldressmakers/designers. Self-employmentis common and income can vary greatlyaccording to the type of work you do.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing alteration handClothing pattern cutter/graderClothing sewing machinistCostume designerFashion/clothing designerTV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant

• Formal academic qualifications arenot always necessary to start workas a clothing alteration hand.However, sewing craft or fashioncourses are a great advantage.

• City & Guilds offer the 7822 Level 2 Certificate in Design and Craftwith a Fashion Wear option, and the 7815 in Basic Sewing Skills.

• A wide range of BTEC nationalcertificates/diplomas, HNDs anddegree courses in fashion anddesign provide training and skills for this field.

• Apprenticeships (Skillseekers inScotland) may also be available.

Why did you choose this career? A love of sewing since childhood led meto this career. At school, I also enjoyed art and had a strong interest in fashion.

What are the main challenges? Meeting deadlines and managing yourown time can be a challenge – you have to be very organised to run yourown business.

Working in fashion & clothing

10

What skills do you need for this type of work? Patience and meticulous attention todetail are vital, along with the ability toconcentrate for long periods and to workaccurately at speed.

Why did you choose this type of work? After leaving school I trained as ahairdresser, which I didn’t enjoy. Theadvertised post for a general assistanthere looked interesting. I have alwaysenjoyed practical work.

What did your training involve? My training for this work has been on the job. Very experienced staff in leathermachining are always on hand to help. Ihave also completed a certificate in first aid.

Julie Kelly works as amachinist technician for a company that makesleather jackets. Each jacketis unique and presentsdifferent challenges. Juliealso repairs specialistleather clothing.

What does your job involve? When making a new jacket, I am givenall the necessary pre-cut pieces. It is myjob to sew the garment together correctlyfollowing individual specifications, usinga heavy duty industrial sewing machine. Ispecialise in sheepskin and it is importantnot to make any mistakes when sewing,as it is very difficult to rectify afterwards.

The other part of my job is makingrepairs to old jackets which are of greatvalue to their owners. This can includeanything from inserting zips andrenewing stitching, to replacing wornlinings. Much of this work involves handsewing as well as machine work.

What are your working hours?I work from 8.30am until 5.00pm fromMonday to Thursday, and until 2.00pm onFridays. A new jacket takes me about twoand a half hours from start to finish, whilstrestoring an old jacket can take two days.

Do you work alone? No, I work as part of a team of eightpeople, including my manager.

Leather machinistClothing sewing machinist

• A high level of motivation andcommitment is essential.

• Be prepared to start at the bottom of a company and turn your hand to anything.

Julie’s tips

Julie’s route

• General assistant – clothing company.

A clothing sewing machinist mightexpect to earn between £12,000 and£14,000 with some experience. Salariesfor new staff may be lower, and thosewith extensive experience could earnin excess of £16,000. A leathermachinist is paid around £15,500.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing alteration handClothing pattern cutter/graderTailor/dressmakerTextile technicianTV/film/theatre wardrobe assistantUpholsterer

• Formal academic qualifications arenot needed, although experienceusing a sewing machine is often essential.

• Apprenticeships are available,leading to NVQ/SVQ Level 2 inManufacturing: Sewn Products.Apprenticeships in clothing atNVQ/SVQ Level 3 are also offered.

• Relevant City & Guilds coursesinclude Basic Sewing Skills 7815 andClothing and Knitting Crafts 4600.

Production

What sort of equipment and tools doyou use?I use a heavy duty sewing machinedesigned for working with leather andanother machine to sew the linings. Asharp knife helps me to make precise cutson the leather. Sometimes the leatherneeds to be pressed down on the seamsusing a hammer, and I also use pliers toreduce the number of teeth in a zip.

How do you see your future?I would like to stay within the samecompany and develop my skills intraining others in the work.

11

My job also involves a lot of administration,including dealing with the manufacturersto ensure the whole process runssmoothly within tight deadlines.

What hours do you work? I usually work from 8.30am to 5.00pm eachday. Occasionally, I work late if we are busy.

Jackie Nason works as a product developmentassistant in Nottingham for the designer, PaulSmith. She is part of ateam which produces topquality ladies designerknitwear. Her job involvestrips abroad to seek new raw materials.

What is your role?My job involves co-ordinating all thetechnical aspects of the production ofladies knitwear, including jumpers,cardigans and jackets. Working closelywith our design team, I follow this processthrough to our suppliers, ensuring qualityfinished products.

What does your job involve? From a designer’s sketch I use a specialistcomputer design package to develop atechnical specification. I advise on theselection of suitable yarns, as well as the amount and thickness. Working outdetailed measurements and the fit of thegarment is also part of the job.

Once I have finished the technicalspecification, I instruct our manufacturerto make a sample. On receipt of thecompleted garment, I check the dimensionsand quality, making changes as necessary.

What else do you do? I go to Italy twice a year to visit yarn fairs,where I source the raw materials for ourknitwear. I am always looking out for newproducts, such as sheer, lightweight yarnsand those with elastic in their composition,which give shape and stability to thegarments. The yarn suppliers give meswatches that I pass to our designers.

• It is important to be fully trained –aim for a specialist clothingtechnology degree.

• Organisational skills are importantas they help with the administrativeaspects of the job.

Jackie’s tips

Jackie’s route

• GCSEs.• Assistant with a leather

manufacturer.• Assistant – Jaeger Knitwear.• Part-time Degree in Textiles and

Knitwear Technology.• Knitwear product development

assistant – Paul Smith.

Knitwear productdevelopment assistant

Manufacturing production planner

Working in fashion & clothing

Knitwear product developmentassistants can expect to start onaround £17,000. Salaries forexperienced staff are usually between £20,000 and £25,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing pattern cutter/graderFashion/clothing designerKnitting machinistQuality control inspectorRetail buyerTextile technician

• Degree or HND qualifications arenormally essential.

• A limited number of specialistfashion knitwear courses areavailable, although a generalfashion design or technology coursewould provide a good backgroundfor this career.

• Entry is with a good portfolio andeither a foundation course in artand design or a BTEC NationalDiploma in Clothing, or equivalentqualifications.

What is the atmosphere like? I work in an office environment, in ateam of ten technical and support staff.There is a friendly atmosphere. It can behectic at times, but I love the buzz whenwe reach our goals!

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You need strong communication skills,along with tact in dealing with both themanufacturers and designers. In additionto technical skills and experience, a flairfor colour and style, plus a love of fashionis vital.

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What did your training involve? All my training has been on the job.When I started, an experienced operativeshowed me how to use the heel scouringmachines and the inking and rub upprocesses for heels.

What challenges do you face? Each day presents a challenge, as I haveto get people’s conversations translatedby writing or gestures. I attend companymeetings with a sign language interpreterwho helps me understand theconversations – this helps a lot.

The heels that are passed to me forscouring are rough and unfinished. I usea special scouring machine, which hasdiffering abrasive wheels, to achieve thedesired finish. Knowing how to apply theright amount of pressure to the heel is animportant skill I need.

Why did you choose this type of work? Previously, I worked as a butcher, which I didn’t enjoy. I decided to change mycareer and I heard about this job throughmy family. As I have a hearing impairmentmy mother came to the interview withme to act as an interpreter.

Colin Wilson works as aheel scourer for Church’sand Co in Northampton, amanufacturer of traditionalgentlemen’s hand-finishedshoes. Each pair of shoestakes eight weeks to makeand his job is to create aperfect finish to the heels.

What is your role?My job involves scouring shoe heels to give a smooth and fine finish. Ioccasionally help with staining the sole,using ink to ensure the colour matchesthe leather on the uppers, and rubbing up the outside of the soles, using wax to create a perfect heel.

What are your working hours?I work from 7.30am until 4.30pm fromMonday to Thursday, with half an hourfor lunch, finishing at 12.30pm on Fridays.

Who do you work with? I work as part of the finishing room team,although when I use the heel scouringmachine I work alone.

What is your working environment like? Church’s and Co is an old factorybuilding, with three levels of floors fordifferent types of work. I work on theground floor, which is warm and light.

What special skills or qualities do youneed for your job? Accuracy is important, as a perfect finishto the shoes is vital. This is a very practicaljob, so the ability to work with your handsis important. You also need to be able towork at speed.

Footwear manufacturingoperative

Footwear manufacturing operative

• Try to get experience of practical ormechanical work.

• Keep an open mind about what youwant to do in the future and beprepared to undertake training andtry new things.

Colin’s tips

Colin’s route

• Apprentice butcher.• Footwear manufacturing operative

– Church’s and Co Footwear.

Production

13

The minimum wages set by the shoeindustry are £7,126 at aged 16 years,£8,144 at 17, and £10,180 for thoseaged 18 and over. Highly skilledexperienced staff could earn well inexcess of the minimum adult rate –up to around £20,000 a year.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing sewing machinistEngineering craft/CNC machinistLeather craftworkerLeather technologistShoe repairerTextile technician

• Jobs in footwear manufacture areavailable in certain parts of the UKonly; the largest area is Northampton.

• Formal academic qualifications arenot always necessary, depending onthe job. English and mathematics at GCSE/S grade are helpful, alongwith practical subjects such as craft,design and technology. Practicalskills and experience of using toolsare a great advantage. Manualdexterity is very important and may be tested at interview.

• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in FootwearManufacture, and Level 3 in Footwearand Leather Manufacture are offered.Apprenticeships are also available.A foundation degree in technicaltextiles with related modules infootwear is being developed.

What is the working environment like? I work in an open-plan office alongsideother members of the team, which islight, spacious and airy.

Who do you work with?Our team comprises a garmenttechnologist, a merchandiser and a productdeveloper, as well as the manager. Twoadministrators provide valued support.

What does your job involve? Part of my job involves working withoverseas manufacturers to developexciting new fabrics for the next season’sgarments. Developing contacts withintextile manufacturing is important tokeep up to date with new technologies.I do this by visiting manufacturers, fabricfairs and other High Street retailers.

Liaising with fabric testing houses isanother part of my job, as all fabrics mustmeet the highest standards. I also visitfabric mills overseas to find new suppliersand check that they are complying withthese standards.

Are there any other aspects to your job? I also monitor stock quality using customerfeedback. I need to ensure the fabrics weuse meet our performance standards, forexample, for colour fastness, tear strengthand durability. This involves liaising withindustry experts and dyeing and finishingtechnologists.

What hours do you work? I start at around 8.30am and finish at6.00pm. I can work longer hours whenI’m overseas. I usually travel overseasabout six times a year.

• Try to develop leadership and team skills, perhaps throughsporting activities.

• Choose science subjects at school or college, particularly chemistry.

• Retail experience is a greatadvantage as it helps to developcustomer awareness.

Sushank’s tips

Sushank’s route

• A levels in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

• Degree in Textiles Technology and Management.

• Part-time retail work whilst studying.• Textile technologist – Marks

and Spencer.

Textile technologistTextile technologist

Sushank Agarwal is atextile technologist forMarks and Spencer and is based in London. Hisrole is to make sure thattheir customers can buyclothes manufacturedfrom the latest and mostinnovative fabrics.

Working in fashion & clothing

What do you like about your job? This job gives me an opportunity tocommunicate with other people. AlthoughI have hearing and speech difficulties,I tend to use gestures and writing for my conversations.

14

Jonathan Bell works as a clothing packer for J Barbour and Sons, acompany that manufactureswaxed jackets and otheroutdoor clothing. He packsclothes into boxes andhelps to dispatch the goods throughout the UK and overseas.

What does your job involve? I use a computer to scan the differentitems of clothing which arrive from ourmanufacturing factory. They are thencarefully packed into boxes, ensuring they are not crushed or damaged. It isimportant to use as few boxes as possibleto minimise transport costs.

The computer prints out labels for theboxes and I check the addresses to make sure they are delivered to the right customers.

What else do you do? If we are not busy, I help out in othersections of the warehouse. This can includehelping to off-load the products as theyarrive from the factory and selecting thegoods ready for packing. Some shopshave their own special labels and I attachthese to the garments.

Do you use any special equipment? Once the boxes are ready, I use a motorisedpallet truck to move them to the dispatcharea, as well as a special stacker for thelarger ones. A special tape gun helps toensure the boxes are securely fastened.All of our systems are computerised andwe share one computer between twopeople in the warehouse.

Production

A trainee graduate textile technologistmight earn from £14,000 to £20,000.This could rise to between £25,000 and£43,000 with experience, rising above£50,000 for those in senior positions.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Leather technologistQuality control inspectorRetail buyerTextile designerTextile dyeing technicianTextile technician

• A degree in textile technology is essential. Courses with strongscience content provide the best background.

• Textile science and technologydegree courses often require A levels/H grades in maths andeither chemistry or physics, orequivalent qualifications.

What personal qualities and skills do you need? As well as a strong background in textiles,commercial awareness is essential, alongwith good analytical and leadership skills.A background in science, particularlychemistry, is useful.

Why did you choose this career? The sciences were my favourite subjectsat school and I love clothing and fashion.

What about the training? My training lasted two-and-a-half years,beginning with a six-month period spentshadowing an experienced technologist.During the next year I was given moreresponsibility, dealing with customerservice returns and visits to suppliers.In the final six months my role developedto that of a normal technologist, withresponsibility for running the department.

Do you use any special equipment? Computers are at the centre of our work and I also use some fabric analysisequipment, such as a magnifying glass to examine fabric construction.

What do you enjoy about your work? There is great satisfaction when you have developed a major order for fabricwhich is then manufactured into popular garments.

Is there anything you dislike? Overseas travel can be very demanding.On returning to the UK office, there isusually a backlog of work to catch up on.

What are the main challenges? This job has a lot of responsibility, as I must always ensure the quality andrange of new fabrics meet our highperformance standards.

How do you see your future?I would like to become an industry expertwithin the same company, progressing tohead of technology.

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Clothing packerClothing packer

What hours do you work? I work an eight-hour day from 8.00amuntil 4.30pm each day, with half an hourfor lunch. Overtime is available duringpeak operating periods.

Who do you work with?There are 13 of us in the packing team,as well as a team leader.

• Be willing to work hard.• The ability to work well alone and

as part of a team is important.• Try to maintain a good level of

fitness, perhaps by playing a sport.

Jonathan’s tips

Jonathan’s route

• GCSEs.• GNVQ Intermediate in Leisure

and Tourism.• Canvasser with double-glazed

windows company.• Clothing packer with J Barbour

and Sons.

What is the working environment like? The working environment is fast pacedand friendly – we all work hard together.The warehouse can become hot in thesummer and cold in the winter, but thecompany provides special clothing tokeep us comfortable.

What skills and qualities are needed forthis role?Patience is the most important quality.You need to be hard working with apositive approach. The ability to use acomputer is also necessary, as is the needto be fit and healthy due to the physicaldemands of the work.

Starting salaries for packers are usuallyaround £8,500, rising to £11,000 withexperience. Pay could rise to £16,000and above for jobs requiring additionalexperience, or for supervisory roles.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Assembler (Light industry)Lift truck operatorRemovals operativeWarehouse worker/manager

• Formal academic qualifications are not usually needed, althoughGCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English,maths and ICT (Information andCommunication Technology) are an advantage.

• You need practical skills, with theability to work at speed. This issometimes tested during theinterview. Knowledge of computers,or a willingness to learn, is important.Physical fitness is also an importantrequirement for most jobs.

• NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 and 2 inPackaging Operations are available.

Has the company provided any training? On joining the company, I spent twoweeks shadowing another member of thepacking team, learning all aspects of thejob. The company has also providedtraining in health and safety, and is nowintroducing NVQ Level 2 qualifications inPackaging Operations.

What do you enjoy about the work?I enjoy the busy and friendly atmosphere.There is great satisfaction in completingthe work to a high standard.

Is there anything you dislike? The work can be hectic and you have tobe careful not to make mistakes, whichcan be costly.

Working in fashion & clothing

16

Production

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? Merchandisers need a combination ofanalytical and numerical skills to analyseand interpret data. Excellent organisationand time management skills are alsoessential. A sense of humour helps tokeep the job in perspective!

Why did you choose this career? Having always loved fashion, I found atemporary opportunity in a local RiverIsland store after graduating. I reallyenjoyed the work and my managerencouraged me to consider a career with the company.

What do you enjoy about your work? I love the buzz when I see garments I have put into the stores selling well.The team atmosphere here is great andwe also enjoy socialising together outsideof work.

Who do you work with?I am responsible for managing anddeveloping an allocator, senior allocatorand an assistant merchandiser. We alsowork closely with the buying team andhave regular meetings with our designers,and fashion and buying directors.

What are the main challenges? You have to constantly think on your feet,make quick decisions and always be flexibleenough to adapt to customer demands.

Farhan Wasti works as amerchandiser for RiverIsland, dealing withapproximately 200 storesacross the UK and Ireland.He ensures all the storeshave the right stock levelsof men’s knitwear, whichinvolves keeping extensivesales records for each store.

What does your job involve? Each season, the buyer and I make a seriesof decisions about our new range ofknitwear, in terms of colours, styles andprices. Using a specialist software system,I extract previous sales figures to helppredict what will sell well in our shops.

Managing the distribution process ofgarments is one of the major elements of my role. Deciding on the appropriatequantities and styles for each store isbased on a number of factors, such asstore size and location. Certain lines goto every store, whereas some of the morehigh fashion orientated lines are selectedfor specific stores.

Are there any other aspects to your job?Gauging what customers want is vital.This involves monitoring sales and liaisingwith our factories in Hong Kong to ensuresupply meets demand. Organising repeatgarment orders and the transportation of goods, by air or ship, is also a keyresponsibility.

What hours do you work? Our office hours are 9.30am until 5.30pmeach day, although I occasionally need towork later during busy periods.

MerchandiserMerchandiser

• Retail experience gives you anunderstanding of the fashion market.

• Numerical skills are a great advantage.• Personal qualities are important

in the retail industry and if youcombine talent with working hard,promotion is usually possible.

Farhan’s tips

Farhan’s route

• Degree in Business Decision Analysis.• Retail experience with River Island.• Allocator – River Island.• Assistant merchandiser – River Island.• Merchandiser – River Island.

An assistant merchandiser might earnfrom £18,000 to £27,000, dependingupon experience. Merchandisers arepaid between £25,000 and £35,000,rising to £55,000 for senior positions.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Distribution managerPurchasing manager/administratorRetail buyerSales assistantSales managerStore owner/manager

• A degree is normally required in abusiness related subject or anotherrelevant discipline, such as fashionor retail management.

• Some companies offer graduatetraining schemes and may acceptgraduates in any subject, if they canoffer strong analytical skills.

• Numeracy and analytical skills areimportant and may be tested atinterview, although maths A level/Hgrade is not essential.

17

Do you have a typical day? My first task each morning is to respondto my emails. The rest of the day is spenton a wide range of tasks, includingdeveloping new designs, prints andcolourways, and sourcing new basefabrics and suppliers. I also manage ourfabric budget, deal with invoices andchase the mills for deliveries.

What hours do you work? I work from 9.00am until 5.15pm, althoughI can work longer hours if we are very busy.

Do you work alone? No, I work closely with the cloth manager,who is my boss. We work as part of a teamwith the buyers and designers, collaboratingto research and develop ideas.

What is the working environment like? I work in bright and airy open-planoffices. The atmosphere is very friendlyand energetic.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You need to be hard working and able to prioritise a huge volume of work.A diplomatic approach to problem solving is also important, along withcommunication skills.

Joanna Cattanach works asan assistant cloth buyer forJaeger in London. She helpsto source and buy thefabrics needed to makesample garments. Part ofher job involves regularcontact with fabric suppliersthroughout the world.

What is your role?My role is to assist the cloth buyer atJaeger. I work closely with fabric mills toensure we can source the latest fabricsfor the collection and maintain highquality standards.

What does your job involve? Keeping in regular contact with fabricsuppliers around the world is an importantaspect of my work. Visiting trade fairsand shows is another way I keep up todate with fabric trends and fashions.

I meet regularly with our buyers, designersand cloth manager to develop coloursand cloth for new garment ranges.

• Keep a scrap book of all your ideas.• Work experience is a big advantage.

Joanna’s tips

Joanna’s route

• Degree in Textiles and FashionDesign Management.

• Assistant merchandiser.• Assistant cloth buyer – Jaeger.

Assistant cloth buyer

BuyerWhat do you enjoy about your work? It is very satisfying seeing clothes for sale in the shops, knowing that you havebeen part of the team responsible fortheir production.

What are the main challenges? If I make a mistake, thousands of metresof expensive fabric could be wasted.The job therefore carries responsibility,although my manager and the rest of the team are always available to offersupport. Working within the timescalescan also be a challenge.

How do you see your future?I would like to continue learning as much as possible and to progress withinthe company.

Working in fashion & clothing

An assistant cloth buyer might earnbetween £20,000 and £24,000. Ajunior buyer may earn from £24,000to £30,000. Experienced buyers canearn between £30,000 and £40,000,with higher salaries possible for headbuyers in charge of large departments.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Clothing pattern cutter/graderFashion/clothing designerMerchandiserPurchasing manager/administratorStore owner/managerTextile designer

• Buying as a career is verycompetitive, with many moreapplicants than vacancies.

• It is often necessary to start as anadministrator and you will usuallyneed a degree or HND qualification,either in fashion, business or acombination of the two.

What personal qualities and skills domodels need? A lively and confident personality isimportant. The ability to build rapport withphotographers is essential, as they will thenrecommend you to the model agencies. Youhave to be fit and healthy too.

You also need to be organised andreliable, as you are running your ownbusiness. It is important not to take theinevitable rejections personally.

What do you enjoy about your work? I really enjoy the social aspect of thework and travelling around the UK. I lovewearing designer clothes and seeing thesuccessful photographs.

On a photographic shoot, the designersusually pick the outfits they want me tomodel. In any one session I may have tochange garments up to ten times. Thephotographers take dozens of photographsof me to achieve different looks or angles.Depending on the shoot, I might bestanding for long periods.

Are there any other aspects to your job? Models are self-employed, so I have toknow all about running a business andpaying tax. I also need to contact thephotographers so I can have copies oftheir shots for my portfolio.

What hours do you work? The hours can be long and sometimesinvolve evening or weekend work,particularly for catwalk modelling. Mostsessions start at about 9.00am and arefinished by 5.30pm, excluding travellingtime. Occasionally, I could work untilmidnight. I combine my modelling career with a regular day job in IT.

What is the working environment like? You can be working in all weathers, oftenmodelling summer garments on a coldday. Photographic lighting can make theworking conditions hot.

Displaying and marketing

Trevor Oram is a fashionmodel for menswear,modelling designer clotheson the catwalk and forfashion magazines. He isself-employed and travelsall over the UK. However,being self-employed, he hasto get involved in keepinghis own business records.

What does your job involve? Modelling agencies contact me on aregular basis to check my availability.As well as editorial work for fashionmagazines, my job involves commercialmodelling for advertising. I might beoffered a job for two hours, a half day,or a longer booking.

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Fashion modelFashion model

• Always have another career behindyou, as continued success is neverguaranteed.

• Don’t spend lots of money onexpensive photographs – often familyphotos can be enough to begin with.Also, beware of expensive courseswhich may not be beneficial.

Trevor’s tips

Trevor’s route

• GCSEs.• Institute of Business Management

– Diploma in Management.• European Computer Driving Licence.• IT consultant.• Fashion model.

Jobs in this area involve promoting the finished product. Even the best designs do not sell themselves!The following people ensure new designs are seen by the right people in the right places, encouragingprofitable sales.

19

Modelling does not provide a securesalaried income and models are self-employed. Pay varies dramaticallyaccording to experience and eachindividual job. Models might earnbetween £50 and £150 for a joblasting half a day, whilst a top modelcan command several thousands ofpounds a session. Many combinemodelling with another job.

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Related jobs

Actor/actressBeauty consultantBeauty therapistDancerFashion/clothing designerMake-up artist

• Academic qualifications for thishighly competitive line of work are not essential. Excellent physicalappearance, with clear and healthyskin, good teeth, hair and hands are all vital. There are also heightrestrictions for models.

• Do not spend lots of money gettinga portfolio of photographs – justsend two pictures and your detailsto agencies which are part of theAssociation of Model Agents.

• A fashion related college oruniversity course may be anadvantage, and will provide youwith skills for other areas of theindustry. Be wary of privatemodelling courses, as they rarelylead to a career in modelling.

What hours do you work? I often work seven days a week, whichusually involves long hours. A shoot mayinclude working to midnight or beyond.I also go overseas about six times a yearwith the job.

What is the working environment like? I work in a stimulating and creativeenvironment, with lots of interesting and friendly people.

What is your role?On behalf of advertising agencies, it is my role to employ and co-ordinate thewhole team of people involved in aphotographic shoot.

What does your job involve? Before starting a job, I need to choosethe right team of people, which includesmake-up artists, models, hairdressers andstylists. Although the stylist puts theoutfits together, I also influence this.Choosing appropriate locations andorganising props, which could includeanything from a horse to a phone box,is also my responsibility.

I work with assistants who set up theequipment, such as lighting and cameras,and I choose the right film for the job.Then I start taking the photographs, whichcould take anything between one hourand three weeks. Liaising with specialistphotographic laboratories is also part ofmy work.

What equipment do you use? I use medium format film and high-resolution digital cameras. Freelancephotographers need their own lightingand each year I invest a lot of money innew equipment.

• If you want to be a fashionphotographer, be prepared to work long hours.

• Look at photographs all the time,especially of people.

Antony’s tips

Antony’s route

• A levels in art, geography and history.• Foundation course in art and design.• Degree in Photography.• Assistant photographer.• Photographer with own business.

Fashionphotographer

Photographer

Antony Crook is a freelancefashion photographerbased in Manchester. Hecreates images of peoplefor fashion magazines,public relations companiesand designers. He workedas an assistant after gettinghis photographic degree.

Working in fashion & clothing

How and why did you become a model? I have enjoyed being photographed sincechildhood. When I was at college, friendssuggested that I should try modelling toearn some extra money. I had a fewprofessional photos taken and wentaround all the modelling agencies until I was offered my first job.

20

Amanda Slader works as aladies fashion adviser forJohn Lewis in Welwyn,Hertfordshire. She offersimpartial advice tocustomers about the style and colours ofoutfits that they areconsidering buying.

What is your role?Customers book an appointment with mefor a variety of reasons. They may simplyneed help with general styling or choosingan outfit for a special event. For others itmay be a major event in their lives, suchas changing job, surgery or illness, havinga baby, or weight loss or gain, whichleads them to re-assess their wardrobe.

What does your job involve? Each customer is given a 90-minute slot,and I usually spend the first five minutesdiscussing their needs, lifestyle andclothing preferences. Sometimes thecustomer accompanies me around oursales floor to select clothes from ourranges, although others prefer to relaxwith some refreshments whilst I do this.

Afterwards I assist with the trying on of the clothes, always aiming for a co-ordinated look to help build a wardrobethat works for them. Encouraging womento be adventurous and to mix garmentsfrom different designers and manufacturers,is all part of the process. Customers areunder no obligation to buy anything, butif they do decide to make a purchase I arrange this for them, avoiding possible queues.

Most fashion photographers work ona freelance, self-employed basis. Thestarting pay is usually low and inaddition they need to buy their ownequipment. A day rate for a magazinemight start at £150, rising to £600 forsomeone with experience. For otherbranches of fashion photography, themost experienced photographers cancommand over £3,000 for a day’s work.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Graphic designerMultimedia designerPhotographic stylistPhotographic technicianTV/film camera operator

• Fashion photography is a highlycompetitive field and you willnormally need to start at the bottomas an assistant. A portfolio of yourown photographic work is essential.

• Most photographers have undertakenformal training, either at college oruniversity. A wide range of specialistcourses are available, including City& Guilds, BTEC national certificates/diplomas, HNDs and degrees.

Who do you work with?I work closely with my photographicassistants and with the whole teaminvolved in a shoot. Liaising with a range of other people, including photolaboratory and prop hire staff, is also part of the work.

What personal qualities and skills do you need? You need to be determined, hard workingand creative. A confident approach isessential and you also need a resilientpersonality in this industry. Technical skillsto operate the cameras and equipmentare also vital, although you will learn anddevelop these in the job.

What training have you done?Although I greatly benefited from myphotography degree, I learnt the mostworking as an assistant with anexperienced photographer. My traininghas really involved learning on the job.

What do you enjoy about your work? I am paid to see the world and I likebeing my own boss. The job is creativeand involves working alongside otherlike-minded people outside any normalnine to five routine. There is nothing I dislike!

What are the main challenges? Commissioning people for a job,co-ordinating the whole process andcommunicating with those involved canall be challenging. As a freelancer, I amrunning my own business and I have topay all the people I employ in advance.

How do you see your future?My future will definitely be inphotography!

Displaying and marketing

21

Fashion adviserImage consultant

How do you keep up to date with allthe in-store fashions? As soon as garments are delivered to thestore you might find me in the deliverydepartment looking at new ranges! I alsospend a lot of time on the shop floor, so I know what is available.

What else do you do? I usually see four customers a day, afterwhich I prepare our suite ready for thenext day. Responding to emails, writingup notes about the customers I haveseen, and marketing and developing areall part of my job.

• Working as a fashion adviser is greatif you want to make a difference tohow people feel about themselves.

• The work can be very pressurisedand demanding.

• Work experience can provide auseful insight into the job.

Amanda’s tips

Amanda’s route

• A levels in geography, law, geologyand economics.

• Management trainee – John Lewis.• Fashion adviser – John Lewis.

What hours do you work? My job is part time and I work from9.30am until 6.00pm, three days a week.

What skills and qualities do you needfor this job?Tact, discretion and maturity are allessential to deal with people from allwalks of life. You need to enjoy workingwith people and have the ability to putthem at their ease. Good communicationand time management skills are needed.A well-groomed appearance is alsoimportant.

What made you choose this work? Having joined John Lewis after leavingschool and gaining experience in differentmanagement roles, this job offered methe opportunity to use all of my skills.I have always been interested in fashionand current trends.

Have the company provided anytraining? When I started the job, the companyprovided a consultant for me to shadow.I am now involved in coaching otherpeople in this role.

What do you enjoy about the work?I love giving people confidence – this jobis all about improving people’s self-esteem.

Salaries can vary greatly. The averagestarting salary is around £12,000.This could rise to £18,000, with themost experienced earning in excess of £20,000.

Salary information

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Related jobs

Make-up artistRetail buyerSales assistantStore owner/manager

• Academic qualifications are notalways needed, although experienceof fashion retail work is essential.Some companies provide on-the-job training.

• Personal qualities and skills are very important, including the abilityto relate to different types ofcustomers. Maturity is also required.

• A commercial awareness andknowledge of fashion are important.

Is there anything you dislike? The job can be physically tiring as you areon your feet all day. There are times whenit is emotionally draining as you dealwith sensitive issues.

How do you see your future?I would like to get more involved ingiving outside fashion presentations to groups in the local community –something I have already started inschools and health clubs.

Are there any challenges in the work? Helping someone overcome a negativeself-image can be a challenge, but it isone that I enjoy.

Working in fashion & clothing

22

What is the working environment like? The open-plan office is often hectic andnoisy, with phones ringing constantly!

What skills and qualities are needed inyour work?You need to be a good organiser withstrong communication skills, as the jobinvolves lots of contact with people overthe phone and in person. Excellent andconcise writing skills are also imperative.

What made you choose this work? I have always loved fashion and readingabout it in magazines and books. This jobcombines all of my interests.

What does your job involve?At any given time, I am working on themagazine pages for editions three weeksahead. The beauty page usually has onefeature on a subject of interest, related tohair or make-up, as well as beauty newsabout the latest products.

How do you keep in touch with thelatest fashions? Regular contact with press officers, bothfor designers and High Street retailers,is essential. I also attend fashion showsand events. Magazines and televisionprogrammes also help to keep me updated.

Do you use any special equipment? Specialist computer software is used all the time, to help with the layout and photography.

What hours do you work? My day usually starts at 10.00am andfinishes at about 7.00pm, althoughoccasionally I work longer if necessary.

Who do you work with?Our team comprises the editor, a fashionand beauty editor, an assistant and awork experience trainee.

Luanne McLean is deputyfashion and beauty editorfor Star magazine and OK! magazine’s fashionsupplement, Hot Stars.She is based in London andco-ordinates the models,clothing and photographersto provide pictures forfashion features.

What is your role?Each weekly magazine has eight pages of fashion and beauty. I organise and co-ordinate everything to make sure thefeatures will be exciting for readers. Thiscan include writing the copy, arrangingphotographic shoots and choosing clothesand accessories for celebrities to model.

Fashionwriter/stylist

Journalist

• Try to find work experience on amagazine by sending in your CV.

• Keep in touch with the fashionworld by attending galleries and exhibitions, and readingmagazines and books.

Luanne’s tips

Luanne’s route

• A levels in business studies, art and design, fashion and textiles.

• Degree in Textiles and FashionDesign Management.

• Work experience – Daily Express group.

• Fashion and beauty assistant –Daily Express group.

• Deputy fashion and beauty editor –Star and OK! Hot Stars.

Displaying and marketing

23

The starting salary for a graduate is normally between £14,000 and£18,000, although first jobs whichprovide vital work experience may payconsiderably less. With several years ofexperience this could rise to around£25,000. Fashion editors may earn inexcess of £45,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Advertising creative copywriter/director

Copy editorJournalistPhotographerPhotographic stylistPublic relations officer

• A degree is usual for this highlycompetitive area of work. Applicantshave usually studied a fashion/designdiscipline or a specialist fashionjournalism course. Some coursesoffer a combination of the two.

• Undergraduate degree coursesinclude fashion marketing andpromotion, fashion journalism and fashion styling.

• Relevant postgraduate courses are also available.

Does the job involve working long hours?I normally work from 8.30am until5.30pm, although I might work until8.30pm if we are very busy. Overseastravel is also part of the job – I usuallyvisit New York and Hong Kong for a fewdays each year.

Elaine Campbell is aknitwear buyer for NewLook, based at their headoffice in Weymouth.She works closely withsuppliers and manufacturersin the UK and overseas toensure each store hassufficient supplies ofknitwear.

What is your role?My job is to co-ordinate all the ladies’knitwear throughout our stores, ensuringthe ranges meet customer demands forfashion, style and quality.

What does your job involve on a weekly basis? During the first part of the week, I lookclosely at our sales trends and examinewhich knitwear lines are selling well.I may need to contact our manufacturerand order larger quantities of a garmentwhich our customers like.

Wednesdays involve meetings with otherbuyers and designers. We discuss andreview trends and plan for the followingseasons. As a buyer, I have considerableinput into the choice of designs. The restof the week can involve visiting our retailcompetitors in London, meeting withsuppliers to negotiate prices, andsometimes making minor alterations to the shape or fit of a garment.

How do you keep in touch with fashion trends? As well as ensuring I am up to date withHigh Street competitors, fashion websitesprovide me with information about whatis happening on the catwalks and in thefashion world.

• You need to be passionate aboutfashion and really determined to succeed.

• Try to get some work experience inthe industry, perhaps during collegeor university holidays.

• A degree that includes fashion andbusiness studies is invaluable.

Elaine’s tips

Elaine’s route

• BTEC National Diploma in Textile Design.

• Degree in Textiles and FashionDesign Management.

• Administration assistant, knitwearbuying department – New Look.

• Assistant knitwear buyer – New Look.

• Knitwear buyer – New Look.

Knitwear buyerBuyer

Working in fashion & clothing

How did you train for the job? I have not had formal journalism training,although whilst studying for my degree I wrote articles on fashion for the universitynewspaper. Most of my training has beenon the job.

What do you enjoy about the work?I love the variety and the fact that eachday is so different. The job is also verycreative and I have every opportunity tocontribute my own ideas to the magazines.

24

Do you work alone? I work in a team of eight people,including an administration assistant, anassistant buyer, merchandising staff, anallocator and a garment technologist.

What personal qualities and skills doyou need? You need to be hard working, ambitiousand determined. A strong interest infashion and commercial knowledge areequally important, along with a willingnessto accept high levels of responsibility.

What do you enjoy about your work? I love getting paid to look at clothes! The friendly environment makes the job really enjoyable.

Is there anything you dislike? The long hours can be demanding,although this can vary according to thetime of year. Winter is much busier, asthere is more knitwear in the shops.

What about training? My training has been mainly on the job,working my way up in the department.New Look has sent me on variouscourses, including presentation andmanagement skills.

Why did you choose this career? I have always loved fashion and clothes,and I wanted to work in the High Streetretail industry.

What are the main challenges? Buyers need to be able to react tofashion trends and sometimes it can be a challenge to get the garments into thestore quickly enough. Knowing exactlywhat our customers want can also bechallenging, but is one of the mostimportant aspects of the job.

A buyer’s administrator might earnbetween £13,500 and £16,000. Abuyer’s assistant could earn from£17,000 to £28,000. Buyers, dependingon their experience, can earn salariesof between £30,000 and £55,000.

Salary information

Getting in

Related jobs

Clothing pattern cutter/graderFashion/clothing designerMerchandiserPurchasing manager/administratorStore owner/managerTextile designer

• Buying as a career is very competitive,with many more applicants thanvacancies. It is often necessary tostart as an administrator and youwill usually need a degree or HND,either in fashion, business or acombination of the two.

• A portfolio is part of the selectionprocess for most fashion courses.

Displaying and marketing

Further reading(Some may be priced)

Look Ahead: A Guide to Working inFashion, by Gillian Sharp, HeinemannLibrary

Working in art & design – Connexions

Magazines

Drapersi www.drapersonline.com

Voguei www.vogue.co.uk

For further details on careers look on theConnexions jobs4u website i www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Further information

25

Working in fashion & clothing

ModellingAssociation of Model Agents (AMA)122 Brompton RoadLondon SW3 1JDp 020 7584 6466

PhotographyThe Association of Photographers81 Leonard StreetLondon EC2A 4QSp 020 7739 6669i www.the-aop.org

Fashion DesignThe Design Council34 Bow StreetLondon WC2E 7DLp 020 7420 5200i www.designcouncil.org.uki www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Footwear Manufacturing and DesignBritish Footwear Association3 Burystead PlaceWellingboroughNorthants NN8 1AHp 01933 229005i www.britfoot.com

JournalismNational Council for the Training of JournalistsNCTJ Training LtdLatton Bush CentreSouthern WayHarlowEssex CM18 7BLp 01279 430009i www.nctj.com

The Periodicals Training Council (PTC)Queens House 55-56 Lincoln’s Inn FieldsLondon WC2A 3LJp 020 7404 4168i www.ppa.co.uk

RetailSkillsmart Retail Ltd – the Sector SkillsCouncil for the retail industry40 Duke StreetLondon W1A 1ABp 020 7399 3450Retail Career Line – freephone p 0800 093 5001i www.skillsmartretail.com

TextilesThe Textile Institute1st FloorSt James’s BuildingsOxford StreetManchester M1 6FQp 0161 237 1188i www.textileinstitute.org

Working in fashion & clothing waswritten and researched by Sarah Marten.

Useful addressesSkillfast-UK – the Sector Skills Council for theclothing, footwear and textile industriesRichmond HouseLawnswood Business ParkRedvers CloseLeedsWest Yorkshire LS16 6RDp 0113 2399 600i www.skillfast-uk.orgCareers websitei www.careersinclothing.co.uk

British Clothing Industry Association 5 Portland PlaceLondon W1B 1PWp 020 7636 7788

City & Guilds1 Giltspur StreetLondon EC1A 9DDp 020 7294 2800i www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Textile Centre of ExcellenceTextile HouseRed Doles LaneOff Leeds RoadHuddersfieldWest Yorkshire HD2 1YFp 01484 346500i www.textile-training.com

UCAS – Universities Central Admissions ServiceProvides information on all fashion andrelated degree and HND courses in the UKi www.ucas.ac.uk

ApprenticeshipsApprentices learn on the job,building up knowledge and skills,gaining qualifications and earningmoney all at the same time.

There are different levels ofApprenticeship (Skillseekers inScotland) available, but they all leadto National Vocational Qualifications(NVQs), Key Skills qualifications and,in most cases, a technical certificatesuch as a BTEC or City & Guilds, insubjects such as Business, Design, IT,Media & Printing, Public Services,Sport, Sport & Exercise Science andTravel & Tourism.

Check out more details ati www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Check out further details about some of these jobs at www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u

Jobs which might interest you in the fashion & clothing sector include:

Clothing alteration handClothing pattern cutter/graderClothing sewing machinistCostume designerDisplay designer/visual merchandiserFashion modelFootwear designerFootwear manufacturing operative Image consultantKnitting machinistLeather craftworkerLeather technologistMerchandiserPackerTailor/dressmakerTextile designerTextile dyeing technicianTextile technician

Feedback

We welcome feedback on Working in fashion & clothing. If

you have any thoughts on the information in this booklet, or

how it is presented, please contact

VT Careers Management at vtcm.publications@vtplc.com.

ISBN: 0-86110-897-3

©Crown copyright 2005

Produced by VT Careers Management for Connexions.

Extracts from this document may be reproduced for

non-commercial education or training purposes, on

condition that the source is acknowledged.

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This publication is available in Braille and on audio cassette.

Please telephone DfES publications on:0845 602 2260 (select option 2), or email:connexions@prolog.uk.com to order copies.

A pdf and text only version is available online atwww.connexions-direct.com/wifashandclothYou will be able to use your PC to enlarge the text.