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Useful experience for garment technicians includes work:

• as a sewing machinist, cutter or patternmaker
• as a clothing designer or textile designer
• as a fashion buyer
• in a clothing factory or workroom.

Garment technicians may do some or all of the following:

• choose clothing fabrics and designs
• alter designs using computer programs, or work with designers to do this
• ask patternmakers to change patterns
• check the fit and fabric of clothing samples
• check the quality of clothing being made and write reports on this
• ensure suppliers, such as fabric vendors, send the right supplies on time
• ensure clothing is made within budget
• check clothing faults and follow up customer complaints about clothing.

Demand for garment technicians expected to rise

About 1,000 garment technicians work in New Zealand. This number dropped by 20% between 2014 and 2016; however, it is expected to start rising.

This is due to growing popularity of clothing that is environmentally friendly and made in New Zealand.

Also, while many clothing retailers get their clothing made overseas, they need New Zealand-based garment technicians to choose designs and fabrics to suit the New Zealand customer. Garment technicians also check the quality of clothing that has been made overseas before it goes on sale.

Demand for garment technicians is also rising due to an insufficient number of people training in this role.

Chances best for garment technicians with good design skills

Employers prefer garment technicians who can interpret, and make changes to, complex designs and patterns. This speeds up the manufacturing process.

Most garment technician jobs not advertised 

If you are interested in getting work as a garment technician, it's best to approach companies yourself, as over half of new positions in the industry are not advertised. 

Types of employers varied

Garment technicians may work for:

• small fashion houses
• large clothing manufacturers
• fashion retailers
• fashion buyers.

Competenz

0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

0800 22 55 348 - www.eit.ac.nz

Whitecliffe College of Art and Design

0800 800 300 - admissions@whitecliffe.ac.nz - www.whitecliffe.ac.nz

Garment technicians may progress to become clothing designers, production managers or buyers.

• Clothing designer job information
• Production manager job information
• Buyer job information

Garment technicians need to be:

• good at communicating
• persuasive and able to motivate people
• good problem solvers
• able to make good judgements
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to work well under pressure.