Fashion and Textiles Product Technologist

Occupation Overview

Producing a wide range of products, from clothing and fashion to leather goods, shoes, soft furnishings, marine and medical textiles

Occupational Profile:

This occupation is found in sewn product manufacturers, footwear manufacturers, brands and retailers. They can be involved in the production of a wide range and variety of products, from clothing and fashion to leather goods, shoes, soft furnishings, marine and medical textiles.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide technical support throughout the product development process and ensure approved samples with specifications; production instructions and production patterns are in place so the manufacturing process can commence and be completed by the required date and within budget.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation could interact with designers, senior managers buyers, merchandisers, warehouse managers, pattern cutters, sample machinists, quality control and production managers, and customers; this will depend on the size of the company. They will be responsible for technical and commercial elements of the product development cycle in fast moving environment. In larger firms product technologists may work within a team, in smaller firms the product technologist will experience a significant degree of autonomy.

Product technologist typical duties include:

Evaluating new product designs

Supporting the production of sewn product samples

Sample review, evaluation and approval

Producing product specifications and production instructions

Identifying suitable materials and accessories

Analysing product returns and faults

Supporting the production and distribution processes

Costing and budget management

Quality assurance and control

Conduct product risk assessments

Skills: Product Technologists can:

Develop and review samples:

Analyse, evaluate and cost the production of given designs and identify possible constraints
Develop samples that meets design, end use and specifications.
Contribute to fit sessions and production meetings
Analyse product samples with focus on quality, fit , risk and production processes e.g. size, shape, materials, timescales and costs
Carry out product risk assessments e.g. safety, colour, cost, time, fitness for purpose, production process
Approve samples and allocate sample seal if appropriate, maintaining a complete history of the sealing process
Oversee material and product tests and analyse test results e.g. performance, function, wash, wearer/user trials

Support production

Develop product tech-packs e.g. specifications, working drawings, measurements, labelling, quality standards, tolerances, materials
Ensure legislation and regulation requirements are met e.gimport regulations, safety regulations, trade regulations

Deal with product faults and returns

Conduct product reviews on returned products
Analyse product returns and identify potential solutions e.g. change materials, re-cut pattern
Complete analysis reports

Quality Assurance

Manage quality problems and eradicate potential issues e.g. fabric, trim, construction faults
Contribute to the solution of production issues e.g. thread breakage, missing components
Work with the warehouse and distribution systems and processes to ensure, safe, punctual delivery of products

Communicate effectively:

Use relevant communication systems and accurately complete work records

Knowledge: Product Technologists have knowledge and understanding of:

Supply chain and customer base:

Different customer requirements e.g. quality standards, product finish, timescale
Brand standards and ethics
The supply chain; management systems and considerations e.g. sourcing methods service level agreements, problem solving, availability of materials, late deliveries, cost increases

Materials used in production:

The properties, behaviour and characteristics of raw materials
Fabric and trim analysis to meet design briefs e.g. the function, performance, aesthetics
Contingency planning e.g. alternative materials, buttons, trim
Testing of materials for suitability in relation to design and function e.g. tension, compression, bending, durability, ductility, impact, creep, wash and fatigue tests
Product labelling e.g. regulations, care, size, fibre content

The product and production process:

Production and material costs
Industrial machines and other equipment relevant to the production of products including specialist machinery e.g. cover stitch machines, buttonholers, jigs, blind hemmers,
Different manufacturing, procurement and distribution methods
Plan production schedules and workloads to meet targets and deadlines
The end- to-end main product production process (pattern production, cutting, manufacturing, quality checking, packing and distribution
The product life cycle e.g. the period over which an item is developed, brought to market and eventually removed from the market
Continual improvement in relation to product and production processes
Critical path management processes relevant to product production

Working practices:

Review and evaluation of product designs e.g. style, feasibility, cost, fit, size, body shape, foot mechanics
Product specifications, quality and compliance requirements
Pattern production, sizes, grading and cutting techniques e.g. pattern drafting, sizing, lay planning
Manufacturing techniques e.g. assembly sequence, construction methods
Different types of product samples e.g. fit, samples proto samples, production samples
The sample analysis and review process e.g. fit sessions, user trails, measurements, design and pattern assessment
Sample sealing systems e.g. blue, silver, gold seal
Risk assessment processes e.g. risk related to safety, colour, cost, time, process
Critical path management e.g. managing production deadlines, timescales and target setting
Overseas manufacturing implications e.g. lead times, minimum quotes, costs, legislation
Returns and faults analysis and the impact of faulty products on future business
Logistics and distribution systems e.g. costs, storage, shipping, legislation
Information Technology (IT) and administration systems used e.g. tracking systems, production management systems, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing)

Quality assurance procedures:

Quality standards and specifications for production e.g. seam types, stitch types, tolerances, product finish
Fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures e.g. poor fit, sizing, construction or finish
Quality approval systems and control processes e.g. Inspection of materials and products during production, checks against specifications, spot checks, end checks
International and British quality standards in relation to the manufacture of products e.g. British Standard Institute (BSI), International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO)

Communication:

Communication techniques, across all levels and departments involved in the sales, manufacturing and distribution process
Technical documents/records and electronic systems and the consequence of incorrectly completed records e.g. tech-packs, specifications, tracking, review notes, product history

Policies and procedures:

Health, safety, welfare and environmental policies, safe working practices and risks relevant to a sewn product working environment
Employer and employee legal obligations, employees’ rights and responsibilities, equality and diversity
Legislation and regulations import regulations, safety regulations, trade regulations, duties and tariffs

Behaviour: Product Technologists:

Take ownership and accept of responsibility for product technology work
Strive to improve product quality, production processes and production systems
Are responsive to changing priorities and requirements of the product industry, demonstrating initiative, confidence and self-motivation
Work positively as part of a team, taking account of equality and diversity
Build effective internal and external working relationships, networking across all levels and departments
Have a methodical and calm approach to workplace pressure, deadlines and production demands
Are assertive, resilient and confident when communicating views and ideas that will benefit the product design and manufacturing process
Are reflective on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seek opportunities to develop and advance skills in response to the evolving production environment and technologies
Have a safety first attitude, ensuring the safety of self and others as appropriate in a sewn product manufacturing environment

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved an appropriate level of English and maths (GCSE grades C or above)

English and maths:

Individuals without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to end-point assessment.

For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.

Level:

Duration:

Typically 22 months

Review:

After three years

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.