How to become a technical textiles designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- textile design
- materials science
- textile technology
- product design
It's important that you check courses cover the technical skills and knowledge employers want, rather than ones that concentrate only on fashion design.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to gain some of the skills and knowledge relevant to this role through a textile technical specialist higher apprenticeship or a fashion and textiles product technologist higher apprenticeship.
With experience you may be able to move into trainee technical design roles.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You can start as a textiles or materials technician and do further training on the job to specialise in technical fabrics research and development.
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Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in textile design from The Textile Institute.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.