Bates Technical College
The Fashion Construction program readies students for postings in alterations, home-based sewing business, costume/theater designer/seamstress, sewing instructor as well as fabric store sales and management. From no basic sewing knowledge to those with advanced skills or techniques, who desire to upgrade their skills, the program is specifically designed to provide training appropriate regardless of the student's prior experience or expertise. There are a variety of positions for which students are prepared, including alterationist, home-based sewing business, costume / theater designer and/or seamstress, sewing instructor, and fabric store sales and management.
Regardless of the student's prior experience or expertise, from those without basic sewing knowledge, to those with advanced skills or techniques who desire to upgrade their skills, the program is specifically designed to provide training. Fashion design, garment construction, pattern and garment alterations, and textiles and their applications are all covered in this curricular program.
Apparel Construction & Patternmaking Technology:
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the apparel industry by providing a foundation in areas such as garment manufacturing and textiles, patternmaking and drafting for men's, women's and children's wear, pattern alternations, sewing construction, garment fitting and tailoring. Students in the program work with the Gerber Pattern Design system for computer aided design, where they learn to digitize patterns into the system, grade patterns (increase and decrease pattern sizes), and develop markers (the lay out for cutting hundreds or thousands of garments simultaneously). A few of the positions held by graduates of the program are:
- Patternmakers
- CAD operators
- Technical designers
- Self-employment
Their coursework in such areas as drafting, patternmaking, fabrics, fitting, garment construction, and tailoring gives students the knowledge and skills needed for an entry-level job in the fashion industry. Graduates of the program hold many positions such as patternmakers, CAD operators, technical designers and self-employment.
