Clothing Presser
What is the work like?
Clothing pressers use steam irons and vacuum presses to shape garments and remove creases. As a clothing presser you would typically work for clothing manufacturers or dry cleaning companies.
In manufacturing, you would press fabrics or garments during the production process (known as 'under-pressing') as well as in the final stages of production (usually in a garment-finishing department). In larger companies, you could combine pressing with other duties such as pattern grading or cutting.
If you worked in a small dry cleaning company, you could also take on duties such as dry cleaning, alterations and sewing machining.
Your work would often include:
- using a single machine or a number of different machines, depending on the type of garment and fabric you are pressing
- operating a computer-controlled machine, such as a carousel and tunnel press.
With experience, you may carry out quality control checks on garments before they are packaged and sent out to customers such as clothing wholesalers and high street retail chains.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will not usually need any formal qualifications to become a clothing presser. Some companies may set you a practical test at the interview stage, and you may also be asked to have a medical. Employers often look for personal qualities such as reliability and good timekeeping.
You may be able to start as an apprentice with a clothing manufacturer or textiles company. To get onto an Apprenticeship you may need to have some GCSEs. 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.
You can get further details on clothing pressing and related careers from Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for the clothing, footwear and textiles industry.
What further training and development can I do?
Most of your training will take place on the job under the supervision of experienced staff.
You may also be encouraged to work towards qualifications with units in hand and machine pressing, such as NVQs in:
- Manufacturing Sewn Products Level 2
- Dry Cleaning Operations or Dry Cleaning Service Support at Level 2.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect careers advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Salaries can start at around £10,500 a year.
- With experience and additional duties, this can rise to between £12,500 and £14,000.
In some companies wages may be based on piecework.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 39 hours week, but there may be opportunities for overtime and part-time work. Conditions can be warm and a lot of your time would be spent standing up.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good eye for detail
- the ability to follow set procedures
- good practical skills
- a methodical approach to tasks
- the ability to concentrate for long periods
- the ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly.
What opportunities are there?
You may be more likely to find work with larger clothing manufacturers, which tend to be concentrated in and around the East Midlands, north-west, Yorkshire, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. You could also work with dry-cleaners, located throughout the country.
Your opportunities for career progression are likely to depend on the size of the company you work for. You could go on to work in machining, supervisory roles, pattern cutting and grading or become an instructor responsible for training new staff.
You will often find jobs advertised in the local press and jobcentres, but may also find the following useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Drapers
Textile Institute
Skillfast-UK
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