How to become a wardrobe assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification to work as a wardrobe assistant. Subjects include:
- costume design
- fashion
- textiles
- costume construction
These may give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, such as:
- fashion and textiles
- art and design
- T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could take one of the following Advanced Apprenticeships to get into this role:
- Costume Performance Technician Level 3
- Garment Maker Level 3
- Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3
These can take up to 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start out as a production runner with a stage or screen company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.
You could also work for a theatrical costume hire company to get into the industry.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You can get volunteering experience through:
- student theatre and film productions
- amateur or community theatre
- dressmaking
- casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets
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Career tips
Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has information about recommended daily pay rates for wardrobe assistants.
Further information
You can learn more about being a wardrobe assistant from Get into Theatre.
You can get further details about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.