Design

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

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

• fashion
• art and design
• textiles

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course to learn skills in pattern cutting, sample machining and computer-aided design.

Courses include:

• fashion design
• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design

Look for courses that teach both the creative and technical side of the job. These will give you the practical skills that employers look for.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3, or Garment Maker Level 3, Advanced Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning.

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a general assistant with a fashion company or retailer, then work your way up by doing training and gaining qualifications in fashion design.

Volunteering and work experience

There is strong competition for jobs in the fashion industry, so it will help if you can get some experience and make employer contacts through internships, work placements or volunteering.

This will give you an understanding of the role and can help with interviews.

The British fashion industry supports initiatives like the National Saturday Club for young people aged 13 to 16, looking to learn about fashion careers.

More information

Career tips

You'll usually need to put together a portfolio of your work for course and job applications. This should include mood boards, designs, drawings and examples of finished items of clothing you have made.

Further information

You can find more details about working in fashion from:the British Fashion Council; UK Fashion and Textiles (UKFT); Discover Creative Careers

View all vacancies in this region

With training and experience you could become a fashion designer, then senior designer.

You might also move into:sales and marketing; fashion buying; photographic styling for product launches and shows

You could work as a freelance designer and create your own collections.