You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• textile design
• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• surface pattern and textiles
• textile technology

You can also do a postgraduate course in textile design if you have a related first degree or a lot of industry experience.

When choosing a course, it's important to check that it covers the technical skills and knowledge that employers want.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 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
• a related degree or several years' relevant experience

You can take a college course in textiles or art, craft and design. These courses will teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get an assistant’s job with a design company.

If you want to work in the development of industrial textiles, you can take a course in design and technology or product design.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Fashion and Textiles Pattern Cutter Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Textile Technical Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These take around 2 years to complete and combine training on the job with off-site study.

Apprenticeships like these could help you to find a trainee position. This might be with a design company, or with a manufacturer, making technical textiles used in industries like healthcare, construction and aerospace.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

You could start work as a textile design assistant or technician. You would combine your work experience with on-the-job training and qualifications to become a textile designer.

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of textiles development and technology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a textiles designer, you could:

• work with customers and businesses to understand what they want
• create patterns by hand or with computer-aided design software
• use methods like dyeing and printing to make up samples
• produce hand-made products or send designs for manufacture
• research properties of new textiles and fabrics made from sustainable materials
• market and sell products online, at craft fairs or through retail outlets
• keep track of design trends and developments in manufacturing technologies

You could work in a creative studio, in an office or at a manufacturing plant.