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Apprenticeship training course

Sewing machinist (level 2)

Making sewn products that meet specifications and quality criteria.

Qualification level
2
Equivalent to GCSE.
Typical duration
12 months
Apprenticeship category
Engineering and manufacturing
Maximum funding
£4,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training.
Also known as
  • blind hemming
  • cover stitch
  • cup seaming
  • linking
  • lockstitching
  • overlocking
  • ruffling
Skills
Skills an apprentice will learn
  • Prepare an efficient workstation and organise workload to ensure a quick, smooth workflow
  • Ensure the machine and working environment is safe to use
  • Ensure the machine is in full working order and thread, components and tools are to hand
  • Carry out test runs before production work to ensure quality of stitch
  • Inspect cut components before sewing and report deviations
  • Adhere to any documentation accompanying the work to be done i.e. specifications, specific instruction
  • Operate and control relevant specialist industrial sewing machines i.e. lockstitch, linker, blind hemmer, overlocker, cup seam, coverstitch machine
  • Sew components, following the correct sequence of work i.e. Standard Operating Procedure
  • Handle and sew materials in accordance with its characteristics and behaviour
  • Apply a high level of hand/eye co-ordination when carrying out the sewing process
  • Work to specifications i.e. seam allowance, tolerances, hem depths
  • Work to quality standards i.e. neat finish, straight sewing, straight hems, stitch tension
  • Meet production deadlines and targets
  • Identify and report poor quality work i.e. uneven seams, bad stitching
  • Consistently produce items of quality standard at the required rate of efficiency
  • Complete the appropriate work tracking process i.e. work dockets, documentation or electronic tracking system
  • Pass work on to the next production operation, following company procedures to ensure continuous production
  • Layout of workstation to ensure an efficient method and productive workflow 
  • Monitor machine speed, feed and material flow and report problems
  • Make machine adjustments as required for different products and materials
  • Clean machine to prevent contamination i.e. oil, dirt on product, broken needles
  • Recognise needle damage, select appropriate new needle and replace damaged needle
  • Carry out routine machine maintenance i.e. stitch tension, spool replacement, lubrication
  • Carry out test sews following maintenance and adjustments to prevent contamination and ensure stitch quality
  • Identify and report machine problems that require a machine mechanic i.e. motor replacement, broken parts, machine electrical failure
  • Read, interpret and work to instructions i.e. specifications, standard operating procedure
  • Interpret and follow work policies and procedures within a sewing production environment
  • Develop and maintain effective communications with colleagues and sewing production staff to ensure a productive work environment i.e. supervisors, team leaders, fellow machinists, senior machinists
  • Work as part of a sewing production team or individually demonstrating flexibility and adaptability
  • Accurately complete work records and tracking process i.e. dockets, documentation or electronic systems

Full information on Sewing machinist (level 2) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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