GARMENT TECHNOLOGIST
How would you generally describe the job?
This job includes sourcing fabrics, working out the exact way to put together a garment – fastenings, decorations. Very technical and precise job, including measurements and very accurate numbering. Suggesting modifications for garments, so that they can be produced in budget, and in the quickest and easiest way. Responding to product queries and analysing product returns and faults.
You would have to have knowledge of pattern cutting and stitching, manufacturing processes and textile properties.
What would it involve on a day to day basis?
Work on a specific design collection, refining the ideas, and obtaining and sourcing fabrics.
What kind of salary might you receive?
Starting salaries can be between £15,000 and £18,000 a year.
With experience this can rise to £25,000 or more.
Senior technologists can earn around £50,000.
What would the working hours be?
You would work around 38 hours a week, which is roughly the same as a full time job, but may sometimes need to do extra hours, for example to make sure collections are produced on time.
What is the next step up on the career ladder?
From a starting garment technologist, you could progress to a senior technologist, or maybe move into product development.
What are the good things about this job?
The good things are the satisfaction of seeing the things, fabrics, fastenings and colours you picked out being used in a garment. Being able to travel to lots of different places.
What are the bad things about this job?
Very stressful, and technical, and can sometimes be quite repetitive. You can have no creative input of your own.
What kind of people would this person work alongside?
You would work closely with other staff such as designers, pattern cutters and graders, and buyers.