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.