Apparel Industry Workers

Advancement for apparel workers is somewhat limited. Most apparel workers begin by performing simple tasks and are assigned more difficult operations as they gain experience. While most remain on the production line, some apparel production workers become first-line supervisors.

It doesn't take much time to acquire the skill of an experienced operator in most branches of the apparel industry. Though it takes many different operations to complete a garment, each individual step is relatively simple, and only a short training period is required for each one. In the men's clothing field and in the women's coat and suit field, however, more tailoring is necessary, and the learning period to become an experienced sewer or operator is longer.

To enter the cutting department, a person usually starts as a fabric spreader and then advances to machine cutting. After further experience is acquired, the worker may grade the master pattern for the sizes, lay out the patterns on the fabric or paper, and mark for the cutting of the fabric. These are skilled operations, and it takes some years to advance and become an experienced all-around cutter. However, the advantages of having acquired these skills are great, for a cutter can, without too much difficulty, transfer his or her cutting skill from one branch of the apparel industry to another. Cutters usually are the highest paid factory workers.

Patternmakers with design school training may become fashion designers.

Custom tailoring is a very competitive field. To be successful in their own shops, tailors need training and experience in small-business operations.

Opportunities for advancement are excellent for graduates of two-year apparel technician programs. They may become section supervisors, production superintendents, or plant managers. There are also opportunities to move into industrial engineering, quality control, production control, or specialized technical areas. Some technicians may become plant training specialists or plant safety experts and directors.

Graduates from regular engineering colleges or community colleges with applied engineering programs also have advantages in securing employment in the apparel industry. Such people may start their training as junior engineers or production assistants, but their advancement is usually rapid. Within a few years, they can achieve secure status in the industry and earn salaries at an executive level.