A new Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) for bespoke cutting and tailoring has been developed, which aims to preserve the artisan skills required for the production of tailored garments.

UKFT, together with Textiles Scotland, has worked with the industry to develop a qualification which combines the heritage of tailoring training with key production skills and cutting practices.

Companies involved in the development include Johnstons of Elgin, Alex Begg, BeYonder, Deryck Walker, the Incorporation of Edinburgh Tailors, Savile Row Bespoke, Creative Scotland, Edinburgh College, Glasgow Clyde College and Heriot Watt University.

This month the SQA Accreditation Co-ordination Group (ACG) agreed to approve the SCQF Credit Rating and Qualifications Products for the new SVQ in Bespoke Cutting and Tailoring at SCQF Level 6.

The new SVQ will now be developed and offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority Awarding Body and for the first time in Scotland will provide an overview of the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the production of tailored garments.

Most of the skills are carried out by hand in order to produce a garment that fits precisely to a customer’s requirements. Bespoke tailors and cutters have practical skills in bespoke garment manufacture and pattern construction.

This SVQ is based on the latest National Occupational Standards for Bespoke Cutting & Tailoring (compiled by employers) and is comprised of a mandatory Health and Safety unit supported by industry specific artisan hand craft skills and knowledge with a choice of specialising in either tailoring or cutting as a career path.

“The skills involved in bespoke tailoring cover a wide area of expertise that includes craft, technical, creative and design,” said UKFT skills and training manager John West.

“These skills are vital for the bespoke tailoring industry in Scotland and ultimately have to be employed with great precision, to high standards of excellence and within realistic time constraints.”

For more information about fashion and textile apprenticeships see here or contact apprenticeships@ukft.org.