Sewing Machinist
What is the work like?
As a sewing machinist, you would stitch sections of material together to make fabric products, ranging from clothing to soft furnishings.
Your duties could include:
- feeding garment or textile sections through the machine
- stitching together full garments or fabric products
- adjusting machine settings for different jobs
- checking that finished work matches pattern instructions
- carrying out basic maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling machines.
You could specialise on one machine such as a buttonholer, or use a number of machines, such as overlockers, hemmers and bar tackers, to produce different finishes. In large scale manufacturing, you might operate computerised sewing machines that can read from a digital design pattern.
You could work with a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, wool and leather, and on a number of different product lines. You might also stitch industrial textiles, for example those used in sail making.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Although there are no set entry requirements for this job, employers would normally expect you to have basic sewing skills. Most companies would ask you to take a practical test at the interview. You would also need good eyesight.
A variety of creative arts courses offered by colleges cover some of the skills needed as a starting point for this career. Courses like City & Guilds Design and Crafts at levels 1 to 3 include options for sewing machine techniques and machine embroidery.
You may be able to start on an Apprenticeship with a clothing manufacturer or textiles company. Companies may ask that you have some GCSEs before offering you an Apprenticeship. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you would receive training from your employer in the different machining methods. You may also be able to work towards one of several NVQ qualifications, including:
- Manufacturing Sewn Products at Level 2
- Apparel Manufacturing Technology at Level 3.
For more details contact Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for the clothing, footwear and textiles industry.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £13,000 a year.
- Experienced sewing machinists can earn between £12,500 and £16,000 a year.
You may receive bonuses based on your output. Some companies pay by piecework (a fixed amount for each item you produce).
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a full-time job, you would usually work 37 to 40 hours a week. There are likely to be opportunities for overtime and part-time hours.
You would normally work as part of a team in a factory and spend most of your time sitting at a machine. The work can be repetitive and factory conditions can be noisy.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good practical skills
- the ability to work quickly and accurately
- an eye for detail
- the ability to work in a team and alone
- a willingness to work flexibly
- the ability to concentrate for long periods and do repetitive tasks.
What opportunities are there?
You would find most opportunities with clothing and textiles manufacturers. There is likely to be a higher concentration of jobs in the East Midlands and north-west. Jobs are advertised in the local press and through job centres.
With experience, you could become a sample machinist and work with a designer or manufacturer, making up product samples before the final version goes into production.
Other options include moving into supervisory management, staff training, quality control and pattern cutting and grading. Alternatively, you could become self-employed, using your machining skills for tailoring or dressmaking.
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