Fashion & textiles

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 fashion design or fashion and 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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You could take a college course to learn skills in pattern cutting, computer-aided cutting techniques and design software. Courses include:

• Level 2 Diploma In Skills for the Fashion Industries
• Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design and Production
• T Level in Craft and Design

A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge that employers look for.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T Levels
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could do a fashion studio assistant or garment maker advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 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
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You can start as a general assistant with a fashion company or retailer and work your way up, taking training and getting qualifications along the way.

Volunteering and work experience

There is strong competition for jobs in the fashion industry, so any contacts and experience you can get will help when looking for work. You could get this through internships, work placements or volunteering.

The British Fashion Industry supports initiatives like the National Saturday Club for young people from 13 to 16 looking to get an insight into fashion careers.

More information

Career tips

You'll need to put together a portfolio of your work to take to course and job interviews. This should include mood boards, designs, drawings and a couple of 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 Association (UKFT); Discover Creative Careers

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With experience you could become a fashion designer, then senior designer or design director. As a design director you could create your own range and manage a design team.

You could also move into freelance design, working on individual projects, or self-employment, creating your own collections.