Skip to main content
N I Direct government services

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
  • Contacts
  • Help
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Employment, training and careers
  3. Looking for work
  4. Training programmes
  5. Apprenticeships
  6. Apprenticeship frameworks
  7. Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks
New Apprenticeship Image
Apprenticeship Image

Fashion and textiles - level 2 apprenticeship framework

This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level two fashion and textiles. This is the only level 2 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.

About the framework

Aims and objectives for this framework:

• to improve the perception of the sector to young people and parents

• assist sector employers to address an ageing workforce

• provide an entry route for underrepresented groups

• allow employers to add value to their organisations by bringing in new staff to utilise existing techniques and technologies

• provide a stream of employees equipped with the manufacturing skills required for the future

• equip new entrants with the transferable soft and technical skills

• provide flexible routes into a wide variety of job roles in the industry, and into higher level training and education

• support and promote long term careers and opportunities

• promote and uplift the specific skills requirements

  • recognise the specific/niche level skills of the industry

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 2 apprenticeship in fashion and textiles will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both a competence-based and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, apprentices must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship, or already hold a recognised equivalent:

  • application of number – level 1
  • communication – level 1
  • information and communication technology – level 1

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications

You must complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification, from the lists below.

Pathway 1 - Textiles

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Manufacturing Textile and Sewn Products 610/1052/2

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Production 610/1053/4

Pathway 2 - Sewn Products

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Manufacturing Textile and Sewn Products 610/1052/2

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Production 610/1053/4

Pathway 3 - Leather goods

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6572/5

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Production 610/1053/4

Pathway 4 - Footwear

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6572/5

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Production 610/1053/4

Pathway 5 - Saddlery

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 2 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6572/5

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Saddlery 600/0256/6

Pathway 6 - Leather production

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6572/5

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles Production 610/1053/4

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be a new employee, or an existing employee taking on a new role to take part in the programme.

There are no formal entry requirements to take part in this apprenticeship, however employers may apply their own criteria at recruitment.

Employers and training contractors must make sure that learners have the potential and opportunity to gain the apprenticeship successfully.

See also the DfE operational requirements. 

Duration       

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.

Related knowledge

You must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook.

Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training suppliers that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It's the training contractor/ college's responsibility to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in line with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework 116 Issue 8: 09/22) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. 

For more information, contact:

  • Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch

Fashion and textile job roles       

Pathway 1 - Textiles

Textile Operative - Undertakes many different tasks in the production of textile materials. Typically, this might involve occupations such as carding, spinning, twisting, warping, weaving and other roles at this level of textile manufacturing (this is not an exhaustive list).

Many textile machines are now automated; therefore, a key aspect of a textile operative's job is to maintain the supply of fabric and materials into machines and ensure the processes are running smoothly.

Quality Control Inspector - Responsible for checking the quality of products within a production run, often making checks at a variety of stages through the process.

Linker - Assembles quality knitted garments using either a point to point or random linking machine in the construction of knitting or hosiery products.

Knitting Operatives/Knitters - Responsible for working the machines that turn natural or man-made yarns into fabrics or garments. There are many different types of knitting machines, which can be operated by hand or by using a computerised system.

Product Tester - It is important that all manufactured products meet British and European standards and are fit for purpose. They must therefore be tested thoroughly throughout the manufacturing process. This is the responsibility of a Product Tester.

Textile Maintenance Mechanic - Responsible for routine maintenance of specialist textiles machinery.

Pathway 2 - Sewn products

Material Cutter - Will lay out and cut materials to form components for the manufacture of sewn products, addressing manual, machine and computer aided operations.

Sewing Machinist - Stitches sections of material together to make a variety of fabric products, ranging from clothing, soft furnishings, interiors to industrial products.

Tape Sealer - Prepares machinery and equipment to seal products using a manually controlled tape sealing machine to produce either clothing or related items.

Hand Presser - Prepares the material for pressing, hand press garments using dry iron, steam iron and vacuum buck pressing methods.

Quality Control Inspector - Responsible for checking the quality of products within a production run, often making checks at a variety of stages through the process.

Clothing Presser - Will use scissor presses, professional ironing tables and formers to shape garments and remove creases. They typically work for clothing manufacturers or dry-cleaning companies.

Sewing Maintenance Mechanic - Responsible for routine maintenance of specialist sewn products machinery.

Pathway 3 - Leather goods

Leather Craftsperson - Produces the leather or manufactures leather goods for a number of markets from sporting pursuits, such as equestrian, golf and cricket applications, to high-end retail luxury goods, such as handbags luggage and lifestyle accessories.

Quality Control Inspector - Responsible for checking the quality of products within a production run, often making checks at a variety of stages through the process.

Product Tester - It is important that all manufactured products meet British and European standards and are fit for purpose. They must therefore be tested thoroughly throughout the manufacturing process. This is the responsibility of a Product Tester.

Material Cutter - Will lay out and cut materials to form components for the manufacture of sewn products, addressing manual, machine and computer aided operations.

Leather goods Service Operative - This job role requires a good working knowledge of the leather goods produced and covers the selling of leather goods and ancillary products to customers. The job role will involve confirming the customer’s requirements and completing the sale.

Pathway 4 - Footwear

Footwear Manufacturer - Produces children’s, ladies’ or men’s shoes, boots, sports and dance footwear, trainers or slippers within a factory or smaller studio production environment. Footwear manufacturing is a highly respected, skilled trade.

Quality Control Inspector - Responsible for checking the quality of products within a production run, often making checks at a variety of stages through the process.

Product Tester - It is important that all manufactured products meet British and European standards and are fit for purpose. They must therefore be tested thoroughly throughout the manufacturing process. This is the responsibility of a Product Tester.

Footwear Service Operative - Requires a good working knowledge of footwear products and covers the selling of footwear and ancillary products to customers. The job role will involve confirming the customer’s requirements and completing the sale.           

Pathway 5 - Saddlery

Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Registered Trainee Saddler - Saddlers are involved in making, altering and repairing saddles, bridles and harnesses for the equestrian market. There are two main types of saddlers - those who work in a manufacturing environment and, more commonly, those who work in a small workshop probably attached to a retail outlet.

Leather Craftsperson - Uses traditional tools and methods to create products and accessories for the saddlery and equestrian sector. They can work with different types of materials including cowhides, nubuck, chamois and suede.

Saddlery Service Operative - This job role requires a good working knowledge of saddlery products and

covers the selling of saddlery and ancillary products to customers. The job role will involve confirming the customer’s requirements and completing the sale.

Pathway 6 - Leather production

Leather Tanner - Responsible for the process of turning raw animal hides and skins into leather using a number of processes such as scouring, softening, and splitting.

Leather Trimmer/Finisher - Responsible for the quality of the finished product using various processes, such as cutting, stretching and flexing the leather to specified shapes to make it soft and pliable, operating buffing machines and finishing by spraying the leather hides with solutions.

Core Knowledge

In all six pathways apprentices are required to learn about the history and setting of their chosen sub-sector, working safely in fashion and textiles manufacturing settings, how to develop and maintain working relationships and how to maintain quality standards.

Core Skills 

In all six pathways apprentices are required to implement health, safety and security procedures which comply with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements in the manufacturing setting chosen. They will be expected to maintain the work area to produce quality artefacts. Apprentices will also develop the skills needed to demonstrate key competencies and safe performance in their chosen pathway. 

Core Behaviours

 As described in the Core Knowledge section, apprentices will develop as part of normal working practice behaviour that demonstrates the ability to act professionally, be risk aware, display a self-disciplined, self-motivated, proactive approach to work and to work reliably and safely. They will also be able to work effectively and efficiently, individually and as part of a team.

Share this page Share on Facebook (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share on Twitter (external link opens in a new window / tab) Share by email (external link opens in a new window / tab)

Level 2 apprenticeship frameworks

  • Accounting - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Active leisure, learning and wellbeing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Agriculture - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Animal care - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Aviation operations on the ground - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Barbering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Beauty therapy - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Bookkeeping - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Bus and coach engineering and maintenance - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Business administration - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Catering and professional chefs - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Children’s care, learning and development - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Cleaning support services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Construction - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Contact centre operations - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Customer service - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Driving goods vehicles - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Electrical power engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Environmental Conservation - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Equine industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Facilities services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Fashion and textiles - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Floristry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Food and drink - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Furniture production - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Game and wildlife management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Glass industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Hairdressing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Health and social care - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Horticulture - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Hospitality - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • IT and telecoms professional - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • IT user - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Land-based engineering - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Marketing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Nail services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Passenger carrying vehicle driving – bus and coach - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Pharmacy services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Plumbing - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Printing industry - Level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Providing financial services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Rail industry - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Rail services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Retail - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Sales and telesales - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Supply chain management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Sustainable resource management - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Team leading - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Travel services - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Trees and timber - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Vehicle body and paint - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Vehicle fitting - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Vehicle maintenance and repair - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Vehicle parts - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Vehicle sales - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Veterinary nursing assistant - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Warehousing and storage - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Water utility operations - level 2 apprenticeship framework
  • Youth work - level 2 apprenticeship framework

Translation help

How to translate this page

Help improve this page - send your feedback

What do you want to do?
Report a problem
Which problem did you find on this page? (Tick all that apply)

Messages

You will not receive a reply. We will consider your feedback to help improve the site.

Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers.

What is your question about?

What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912
Email 
dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750 
Email 
customerservice.unit@communities-ni.gov.uk

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 
Email dcs.incomingpostteamdhc2@nissa.gsi.gov.uk

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service.

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service.

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) section, then for queries about:

  • Restrictions or regulations — contact the Department of Health
  • Travel advice (including self-isolation) — contact the Department of Health
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the Department of Health or Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk and for queries about your certificate, email covidcertni@hscni.net.

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email ani@accessni.gov.uk

Application and payment queries can be emailed to ema_ni@slc.co.uk

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency.

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email gro_nisra@finance-ni.gov.uk

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email HSSS.mail@economy-ni.gov.uk.

For queries about:

  • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN
    contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea
     
  • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing
    contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email nida@nidirect.gov.uk.

 

For queries or advice about passports, contact HM Passport Office.

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email dcu@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section.

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads.

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service.

For queries or advice about rates, email LPSCustomerTeam@lpsni.gov.uk

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact Smartpass - Translink.

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly.  We don't have access to information about you.

Related sites

  • gov.uk
  • nibusinessinfo.co.uk

Links to supporting information

  • Accessibility statement
  • Crown copyright
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS