Richard Designs
The opportunity
We are looking for an apprentice sewing machinist to join our wedding veil department to sew beautiful veils for brides’ weddings.
This apprenticeship opportunity is ideal for a school or college leaver to experience working full time while earning an apprenticeship salary. You will also accomplish a nationally recognised qualification with an external training provider, carried out at our offices in Ely.
Skills you will learn
You will be shown how to use some of our sewing machines, which will include applying edges to veils, or making shrugs, petticoats or flower girl dresses. As well as using a flatbed and overlocking machine, there is the opportunity to learn how to use our embroidery machines. These hand-guided chain stitch embroidery machines allow you to create intricate embroidered designs.
The machines we use are industrial and specialist sewing machines, so you will be able to learn how to change their settings, for example stitch length, tension, pedal control, threading the needle. You will also learn about the different needles and foot attachments we use on our sewing machines.
In addition, you will be shown how to use hand sewing to decorate veils with different laces, pearls and crystals, starting with simple patterns and building up with practice.
You will be working with very fine and delicate fabrics, and will have the opportunity to learn the differences between different fabrics and how they should be handled when sewing. The experience you obtain in this role will be useful for a variety of careers in sewing.
You will experience how a busy manufacturing floor works, seeing all aspects of the manufacturing process including cutting out, sewing, and quality control.
You will be working as part of a friendly team, and will learn key skills in communication and teamwork. You will have targets and deadlines for your work, and so will learn how to maintain a high quality of work whilst meeting these targets and recording your progress.
External Training
Alongside learning the skills required to be successful in the role, you will have the opportunity to train with the Fashion Technology Academy to achieve a Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprenticeship over 12-18 months. You will be earning the government apprenticeship wage whilst learning key sewing skills and gaining a valuable qualification.
The detail
We work a 37.5 hour working week, Monday to Friday. You will be provided with study time on site and spend the remaining working hours gaining practical skills on the job.
Beyond your apprenticeship
Our team is our most important asset, we are proud to manufacture beautiful bridal accessories in the UK, providing training and a supportive environment for staff to succeed in their goals. Once you have competed your apprenticeship, we hope there will be the opportunity for you to join the team in a full-time permanent position.
Will this role suit you?
As this is an apprenticeship role, we do not expect you to already have skills or experience in sewing, all of this will be part of your training with us. However the successful candidate must have an interest in sewing or craftwork, a natural ability to work with detail, and desire to create beautiful accessories for weddings. We also ask that you have a good understanding of written and spoken English.
Essential skills must include:
- An interest in sewing and craftwork
- Be able to follow verbal and written instructions
- A co-operative attitude to work as part of a team, as well as on your own when necessary
- Being flexible and working efficiently under pressure
- A can-do attitude
- Initiative and self-motivation
- GCSE Grades A-C or 4 and above in Maths and English
We always welcome applications from those interested in design and sewing, so if you are interested in joining our team please get in touch.
This role is available on the level 2 sewing machinist apprenticeship.
Applicants must have functional skills in maths and english to apply.
To apply please submit your CV to apprenticeships@fashion-enter.com