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 for example 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:
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.
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:
• have 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 the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
• have 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: DfE operational requirements
Duration
Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.
Related knowledge
For this framework, the participant is required to 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 is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.
The apprentice must be employed from day one.
Further information
The content of this framework (Framework No 422 Issue 09: 9/23) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact:
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.
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 (for example 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 the Econom