Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist: Apprenticeship
What is a Product Technologist apprenticeship? As a Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist, you will be producing a wide range of products, from clothing and fashion to leather goods, shoes, soft furnishings, marine and medical textiles. Does this sound appealing to you? Read more to find out about what the job role entails, day-to-day life, what qualifications are required, what career routes you may go down post-apprenticeship, and more. |
What the Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technology Apprenticeship role entails and day-to-day
The main purpose of this occupation is to provide technical support throughout the product development process for manufacturing, and ensure approved samples with specifications; production instructions and production patterns are in place so the manufacturing process can occur and be completed by the required date, within the correct budget.
So what is the day-to-day role like? Typical duties for a Product Technologist may include:
- Evaluating new product designs
- Supporting the production of sewn product samples
- Sample review, evaluation and approval
- Producing product specifications and production instructions
- Identifying suitable materials and accessories
- Analysing product returns and faults
- Supporting the production and distribution processes
- Costing and budget management
- Quality assurance and control
- Conduct product risk assessments
In day-to-day work, an employee could interact with designers, senior managers buyers, merchandisers, customer, although this may depend on the size of your company. They may also take lead on product development cycles in a fast moving environment. Depending on the size of the firm, employees may work within a team and in smaller firms, they may experience working independently majority of the time.
Requirements to take on a Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist apprenticeship and available opportunities
What are the requirements to take on a Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist apprenticeship?
Fear not! All employers are different, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved an appropriate level of English and maths (GCSE grades C or above).
Entry requirements are dependent on individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved an appropriate level of English and maths (GCSE grades C or above). Individuals without Level 2 English and Maths would need to achieve this level prior to the end-point-assessment. Positively, employers are keen to hire apprentices regardless of background, so long as you demonstrate your skills and passion effectively! This provides all apprentices a huge chance to succeed on their journey.
Duration?
The duration of this apprenticeship is 22 months (This does not include the End-Point assessment period.
Product Technology Apprentice knowledge and skills
Over the course of training, you will have developed knowledge of the following:
- Supply Chain and Customer Base
- Materials used in production
- The product and production process
- Communication
- Working Standards Practice
- Quality Assurance Procedures
- Policy Procedures
You will also have developed skills of the following:
- Developing and reviewing samples
- Supporting Production
- Dealing with product faults and returns
- Quality assurance
- Communicating effectively.
The route that a Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technology apprenticeship leads to
The Level 4 Product Technology apprenticeship leads down a manufacturing and engineering route. This may open many doors to such jobs like: Production Manager, Manufacturing Technician, Senior Garment Technologist and many more. Click here to find more opportunities.
Conclusion
As demonstrated, the Level 4 Fashion and Textiles Product Technology apprenticeship is excelling career starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in manufacturing and engineering, as well as fashion and textiles specifically. Still sounds too good to be true? You will be able to earn while you learn whilst getting stuck into exciting practical activities! Employers are keen to hire apprentices to continuously adapt the learning process of their employees. This is a great alternate route to university as you are able to kickstart your dream career whilst earning! To seek more opportunities, click on our page here and stay up to date with relevant news regarding apprenticeships!
