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Program Options
- Associate Degree
- Certificate of Achievement - Level 2
Program Information
The field of apparel design includes the design, manufacturing and wholesale sales of garments and accessories for men, women and children. There are many exciting career options for individuals who desire a rewarding, challenging and fast paced career. This certificate or degree will prepare individuals for a variety of assistant positions with an apparel firm.
Apparel designers create new designs as well as adapt existing designs by changing style features, fabric or colors. Apparel designers may sketch their designs by hand or by computer. Some may drape fabric directly on a dress form to create the sample garment or prototype. Designers must have a working knowledge of design and color as well as a thorough understanding of fabric construction and behavior. Designers must also understand basic garment construction, the abilities and limitation of production equipment, the principles of pattern making and apparel production. Designers who work for small companies or who advance to merchandising must also understand basic business concepts. They will often be required to determine garment cost and salability. Assistants to designers often produce flat drawings of garments with detailed specifications for production. Knowledge of apparel construction and pattern is essential. Assistant may be asked to create theme boards or fabric boards. They need the ability to work with color and design. Assistant may also order fabric and trims and must have a solid understanding of fabric construction and behavior. Because they will be called on to do many jobs around the design room, they must be flexible and responsible. The need to be able to work as a member of a team as well as independently.
Most apparel firms now use computers for some, if not all, steps in the design and manufacturing process. Computer literacy is required; experience with data entry, word processing and spread sheets is a basic requirement of most jobs. The ability to produce flat sketches and specification drawings using a computer is beneficial.
Career Paths
The San Francisco bay area is the third largest apparel producing region in the United States. Hundreds of apparel manufacturers, suppliers and related businesses provide many opportunities for employment in the industry. Entry level positions for individuals earning an Advanced Certificate include:
- Associate Designer
- Fabric/Trim Buyer
- Technical Designer
- Assistant Trend Manager
- Assistant Stylist
- Assistant Merchandiser
- Assistant Product Developer
Department Chair
Tiina Keller
408.741.4039
email: tiina_keller@westvalley.edu:
Program Requirements
Questions about Career Programs? Call 408.741.2098
email: cathy_aimonetti@westvalley.edu
or stop by the Career Programs Center, AAS 35
