You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in garment technology or fashion design.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could complete a college course before applying for a job as a garment technology assistant. Courses include:

• fashion and textiles
• garment technology for fashion retail
• T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You can apply to do an apprenticeship with a design studio or manufacturing firm, such as:

• Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Technical Textiles Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You may be able to start as a garment technology assistant after completing a qualification in fashion or textiles. You would do further training on the job to become a technologist.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a garment technologist, you could:

• advise on suitable fabrics for products
• suggest changes to clothing pattern designs
• make sure garments can be produced within budget
• oversee fabric testing and first sample fittings
• make sure the correct garment-making methods are used
• work with suppliers and manufacturers
• analyse product returns and faults
• update workbooks with instructions for garments' construction stages
• produce quality control reports

You could work in a creative studio or in an office.