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Tailor/Dressmaker

Do you want to become a Tailor/Dressmaker? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Tailors and dressmakers make individual made-to-measure clothes for their customers. The work usually involves:

• meeting the customer and discussing their requirements
• helping them to decide on a style and fabric
• taking accurate measurements of the customer
• cutting and making up the garment
• meeting the customer for regular fittings and making adjustments until the garment fits perfectly.

Tailors and dressmakers usually work around 37 or 39 hours a week, which may include Saturday and evening work. They work in workshops, which may be attached to a shop, in a small factory or at home. The work involves sitting, standing, bending and kneeling, and doing close, fine work. It may also involve lifting and carrying heavy bales of fabric and using heavy irons to press garments.

Salaries range from around £10,000 to £50,000 or more a year.

Tailors and dressmakers should:

• be good with their hands
• enjoy working with people and be able to put them at their ease
• be creative, with an eye for colour and design
• enjoy making things.

They may work for small clothing companies or designers. Many jobs are based in London, but there are opportunities in other large cities in the UK. Vacancies may be advertised in newspapers and in specialist publications like Drapers Record.

No formal qualifications are required for entry, but GCSEs/S grades in English and maths, and subjects such as textiles or art, can be useful. Some people do an Apprenticeship. Others have qualifications like a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Art and Design. There is no maximum age for entry. It can be an advantage to have experience in skills like sewing or pattern cutting.

Training is usually on the job, and there may be the chance to do in-house or college-based training courses. There are NVQ/SVQs in Manufacturing Sewn Products at Levels 1 and 2, and NVQ Level 3 in Apparel Manufacturing Technology. Other qualifications include ABC Level 3 Awards and the ABC Level 3 Diploma in Handcraft Tailoring.

Promotion may involve working on more complex garments and supervising the work of others. There may also be opportunities to move into pattern cutting, design, management or teaching. There may also be opportunities to work overseas. Self-employment is possible.

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