Performing arts

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification to work as a wardrobe assistant. Subjects include:

• costume design
• fashion
• textiles
• costume construction

These may give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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 start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, such as:

• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could take one of the following Advanced Apprenticeships to get into this role:

• Costume Performance Technician Level 3
• Garment Maker Level 3
• Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

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 out as a production runner with a stage or screen company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.

You could also work for a theatrical costume hire company to get into the industry.

Volunteering and work experience

Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You can get volunteering experience through:

• student theatre and film productions
• amateur or community theatre
• dressmaking
• casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets

More information

Career tips

Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has information about recommended daily pay rates for wardrobe assistants.

Further information

You can learn more about being a wardrobe assistant from Get into Theatre.

You can get further details about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

You may specialise in theatre work, film or TV, but you could cross over between areas once established.

With experience, you could become a wardrobe manager or move into:costume design; set design; stage management

You can find more details about how to become a wardrobe assistant through Creative Choices.