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:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway 2 - Sewn Products
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway 3 - Leather goods
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway 4 - Footwear
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway 5 - Saddlery
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway 6 - Leather production
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
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:
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.