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Fashion and textiles - level 3 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 three fashion and textiles. This is the only level 3 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 3 apprenticeship in fashion and textiles will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both the 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 2
  • communication – level 2
  • information and communication technology – level 2

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

Apprentices need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification, from the lists below.

Pathway 1– Textiles

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Textiles Manufacture 610/1054/6

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Textiles Technology 610/1055/8

Pathway 2 – Apparel

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Apparel Manufacturing Technology (NVQ) 500/5454/5

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production 501/0088/9

Pathway 3 – Leather goods

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6482/4

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production 501/0088/9

Pathway 4 – Footwear

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6482/4

Knowledge-based qualification: 

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production 501/0088/9

Pathway 5 – Tailoring

Competence-based qualification:

  • ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma in Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring (NVQ) 500/8986/9

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production 501/0088/9

Pathway 6 - Leather production

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6482/4

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Diploma in Apparel, Footwear or Leather Production 501/0088/9

Pathway 7 - Saddlery

Competence-based qualification:

  • SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Certificate in Footwear and Leather (NVQ) 500/6482/4

Knowledge-based qualification:

  • City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma In Saddlery 600/0269/4

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.

Employers may apply their own criteria at the recruitment stage.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 framework in fashion and textiles.

You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you've:

  • already gained significant work experience in your occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 fashion and textiles framework and can show you can achieve a level 3 standard
  • previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the Level 2 apprenticeshipsni fashion and textiles framework

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 422 Issue 08: 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 textiles job roles

Pathway 1 - Textiles

Textile Dyeing Technician - Mixes and applies the dyes that colour natural and synthetic fibres, yarns and fabrics. They may also be involved in printing, bleaching, waterproofing and applying other finishes to textiles. Often the dyeing process is computer controlled.

Textile Technologist - Interested in the scientific make-up of fibres, yarns and materials. They may work in production engineering, management, sourcing or quality control. They may also have responsibility for solving manufacturing and production problems.

Analytical Textile Technologist - Responsible for solving questions relating to textile manufacture. Technologists of this type are required in many different areas of technical textiles, for example in the medical, automotive or performance wear industries.

Knitting Technician - Operates the machines that knot the yarns into fabric or garments during the production process. They ensure the production process runs uninterrupted and they are responsible for the basic maintenance of the machines.

Quality Supervisor - Responsible for ensuring that all the quality procedures are followed throughout the production process.

Textile Colour Technologist - Employed by large manufacturers of fibres, wools, yarns and textiles to make colorants (dyes and pigments) for their products.

Textile Designer - Creates fabric designs and patterns for woven, knitted and printed materials, which can be used for clothing and interior furnishings. These designs usually feature repeating patterns.

Textile Machinery Technician - Responsible for the up-keep and maintenance of all machinery and equipment used in textile factories. They may choose to specialise in one particular area, such as fibre preparation, spinning, winding, weaving, knitting or a finishing process.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Requires extensive knowledge of production processes to produce textiles products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Pathway 2 - Apparel

Sample Machinist - Works closely with designers, product technologists and pattern cutters to create the first made-up sample of a garment design.

Dressmaker - Produces made-to-measure clothing, such as dresses, skirts and trousers for their customers. They may run small, independent businesses, specialising in a particular type of clothing, such as bridal wear.

Product Technologist - This occupation is found in sewn product manufacturers, footwear manufacturers, brands and retailers. They can be involved in the production of a wide range and variety of products, from clothing and fashion to leather goods, shoes, soft furnishings, marine and medical textiles.

Pattern Cutter (Manual/CAD) - Works within the clothing and textiles industry can be employed by a large, medium, small or micro size business, producing a variety of products from clothing and fashion items to leather goods, soft furnishings, marine and medical textiles.

Bespoke Pattern Cutter (Manual/CAD) - Responsibilities as the Pattern Cutter but working on bespoke (Made to Measure) products.

Garment Maker - The broad purpose of the occupation is to construct garments - bringing the design to life, following specifications and quality standards. They may work on one-off products for specific customers or garment samples to be replicated.

Pattern Grader (Manual/CAD) - Takes a pattern, which has been made by a Pattern Cutter, and produces scaled-up and scaled-down versions to enable manufactures to reproduce the same artefact in different sizes.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Requires extensive knowledge of production processes to produce sewn products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Pathway 3 - Leather goods

Sample Machinist - Works closely with designers and pattern cutters to create the first made-up sample of a Leather goods design.

Leather goods Designer - Creates designs for many different types of leather goods. These could be for high-end designers (known as 'haute couture'), designer labels and high street brands.

Pattern Cutter (Manual/CAD) - Responsible for turning a design into a working pattern. The job role will involve creating complex patterns which are suitable for production and meet company and customer requirements.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Requires extensive knowledge of production processes to produce leather goods products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Pathway 4 - Footwear

Footwear Designer - Creates designs for many different types of footwear. These could be for high-end designers (known as 'haute couture'), designer labels, high street brands and sportswear or specialist footwear companies.

Shoe Repairer - Mends footwear and other accessories such as belts and bags. Most are based in high street shops, where they can combine their shoe repairing work with services such as key cutting, watch repair and engraving.

Bespoke Footwear Technician - Responsible for the 'making up' of bespoke or orthopaedic shoes. Responsibilities include hand lasting and making.

Sample Machinist - Works closely with designers and pattern cutters to create the first made-up sample of a footwear design.

Production Pattern Cutter (Manual/CAD) - Responsible for turning a design into a working pattern. The job role will involve creating complex patterns which are suitable for production and meet company and customer requirements.

Bespoke Pattern Cutter (Manual/CAD) - Responsibilities as the Production Pattern Cutter but working on bespoke (Made to Measure) or orthopaedic products.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Requires extensive knowledge of production processes to produce footwear products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Pathway 5 - Tailoring

Tailor - Specialises in making coats and jackets, or trousers, skirts and waistcoats. The tailor will use traditional methods of tailoring and will be able to receive the cut and trimmed garment bundle from the cutter and skilfully assemble all the component parts, resulting in a garment(s) of the highest quality.

Cutter - Is able to measure the figure, analyse particular customer figurations or (figure variations) and cut a pattern to fit an individual customer requirement. They liaise with the customer in order to gain an understanding of specific customer needs. All this information is translated into the customer's individual pattern - the cutter will then work closely with the tailor to create this individual bespoke garment.  

Garment Maker - Garment Makers support tailors in the production of tailored garments. They may work as part of team or directly with the tailor, producing part of a garment that is later assembled by the tailor, producing sample garments or carrying out basic assembly operations.

Tailoring Technical Salesperson - The role of a Technical Salesperson combines the skills of a Tailor, the knowledge and understanding of material and design, and the ability to sell to customers.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Requires extensive knowledge of production processes to produce tailored products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Pathway 6 -  Leather production

Leather Technician/Technologist - Covers a range of different areas, from experimenting with dyes and finishes to permanently preserving the leather to create the desired look.

Tannery Process Supervisor - Supervises and manages the process of the conversion of raw hides and skins into leather. Process supervisors also co-ordinate the work of employees in different leather manufacturing areas.

Pathway 7 - Saddlery

Qualified Saddler - Involved in making, altering and repairing saddles, bridles and harnesses for the equestrian market. There are two main types of saddler - those who work in a manufacturing environment and, more commonly, those who work in a small workshop probably attached to a retail outlet.

Qualified Harness Maker - Involved in making, altering and repairing bridles and harnesses for the equestrian market. There are two main types of harness makers - those who work in a manufacturing environment and, more commonly, those who work in a small workshop possibly attached to a retail outlet.

Hand Stitcher - Make, modify and repair bridles and saddles. They may use hand or machine sewing techniques and will have expert knowledge of bridle and saddle construction.

Team Leader/Supervisor - Will require extensive knowledge of production processes to produce saddlery products. They will also be responsible for the performance of a team on a daily basis.

Core Knowledge

In all seven 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 seven 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.

Enhancements

These are articulated by the stakeholders during consultations with the Development Partners. These may be additional qualifications or further training. These can include vendor qualifications or in-house training. The individual must complete to enable them to be competent in the occupation.

Optional qualifications are not funded by the Department for Economy. 

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