You will learn about basic tailoring and put in to practice technical and practical skills. This will involve hand production of a waistcoat and a pair of tailored trousers. You will have opportunities to see how the industry works by visiting tailoring companies and experiencing the work environment. The learning will include:

• Hand sewing skills – working with canvases and bastes
• Using industrial sewing equipment
• Creating bespoke patterns
• Body measurements and Block construction
• Pockets and other details
• Making up alterations
• Finishing techniques

This course is supported by many tailoring companies  and is an extension of the learning from the Pre-Apprenticeship level 1 course. You will gain an insight into the variety of styles for men’s and women’s tailoring, and will be introduced to the basic materials, components and methods of construction of a tailored jacket.

• It will provide an introduction to working in the bespoke industry and
• Work placement opportunities will be created by some colleges and companies.
• You will develop your understanding of the commercial world.
• Learn the safe working practices of the
• Acquiring an introduction to machine, hand sewing and pressing skills through the production of samples

This course has been developed originally with the expertise and support of many Savile Row companies and their many highly skilled master tailors.  This course will encompass many of the skills required to make bespoke garments with a focus on the repetitive skills that are needed for accuracy, speed and precision. You will normally work in a bespoke tailoring business and will be required to follow assessment criteria. You will be supported by the Masters in the business and specialise in any of the following areas:

• Coat Maker
• Trouser Maker
• Pattern Cutter

You will also be supported by a visiting Assessor who will guide you through the course and ensure you have the evidence to demonstrate competence and knowledge.

Learners will be expected to research into:

• Different construction methods used in the tailoring industry.
• Develop and understand design variations based on jacket styles
• Be able to research and identify different styles of tailored garments for men and women.
• Know how to deconstruct a tailored jacket and
• Identify the basic materials and component parts.
• Be able to create tailored samples.

It is also essential that you have a level 2 Maths and English certificate which will also be included as part of the qualification, if you do not have a certificate. The learner usually would achieve this qualification in 14 to 24 months.

This new qualification has now been approved by the government and will be accredited by ABC Awards

The apprentice can progress to this level 5 course if they have a level 3 qualification in tailoring or can demonstrate they have acquired the skills at this level in a bespoke business.

This new degree level employer led course  has been developed and supported by many UK bespoke tailoring companies.  It aims to provide the apprentice with the skills and knowledge to  produce high quality garments or patterns, after following an 18 month intensive programme in a bespoke tailoring business.

The learning will include:

• Be able to demonstrate they have reached the specialist bespoke skills in the business equivalent to a Level 3.
• Successfully complete the relevant aptitude testing as required by the company.
• Good basic hand and machine skills meeting the bespoke quality for their company.
• Good Cutting and Marking skills meeting the bespoke quality.
• The ability to carry out repetitive work with speed and precision.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• The ability to give and follow clear verbal instructions.
• The ability to understand the working practices of the business and the cultural traditions of the company.

The grading criteria should enable the apprentice to gain either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.