Apparel Pattern Maker and Grader

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Apparel Pattern Maker and Grader. An Apparel Pattern Maker and Grader produce sets of master patterns following sketches, sample articles, and design specifications, and cuts out patterns for garments. A qualified learner will be able to: • Create a basic block for a master size in all clothing's. • Read and interpret a brief/design of a garment demonstrating a visual understanding of the requirements. • Develop and create a working pattern, pre-production sample and final pattern according to the design and customer requirements. • Test the pattern on the fabric by making and fitting the first sample garment and doing an assessment of the first sample against the pattern (which could be in conjunction with the sample machinist). • Grade patterns for different size garments.

Sophisticated garment construction and manufacturing processes within a competitive and challenging environment characterised the clothing manufacturing industry. The garment products manufactured must meet a wide variety of specifications, related to quality, customer and consumer, contextual (i.e. leisure, sport, work, fashion) and even safety specifications. The industry has to respond to quality issues and increasing competition in export, import, and domestic markets while ensuring the global competitiveness of products and profitability of the companies. Within the garment construction and manufacturing industry, people working as patternmakers and graders require specialised technical skills and knowledge about the construction of garments and the properties and characteristics of the textiles used meeting garment specifications critical to the manufacturing process, quality assurance practices. Patternmakers and graders need to put processes in place to adapt to and meet the requirements of the constantly changing manufactured products. Patternmakers and graders form part of the backbone of the fashion/clothing manufacturing industry since the patterns they create are very important to produce the final clothing product. This qualification provides an opportunity for learners who exit the schooling system, but who wish to continue to obtain occupation-specific knowledge and skills to develop such competencies and also to receive formal recognition for the skills they have acquired in this specific occupational area. It creates the opportunity for learners to improve their employability and at the same time creates opportunities to study further in their chosen field. It also presents an opportunity for persons who have been operating in the industry, without the formal qualification as recognition for their skills and competencies acquired in the workplace. Other suitable employment opportunities will include production assistants, merchandise assistants, specification technicians and assistant stylists. Because of the ongoing support by the government, the sector is in a growth phase due to new employment opportunities. Employment will be mainly with clothing manufacturing companies and government initiatives. However, self-employment is another possibility which could lead to a sustainable small business.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment. • Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. Or • NQF Level 1 (AET Level 4) with assessed three years' experience as pattern grader or design room assistant.

• Identify customer needs, complete product specifications and technical drawings.
• Explain and sequence the processes involved in the design and development of a sewn product following garment construction practices.
• Identify and use design, development and pattern making tools to produce a garment pattern meeting the requirements of the garment design.
• Take body measurements and read standard size charts.
• Draft blocks (slopers), make patterns and produce a sample following the design and measurements.
• Compile garment specifications and basic cost sheets.
• Grade patterns for different sizes using various methods while maintaining the proportions of the style.