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- Use steam irons and vacuum presses to shape garments and remove, or add, creases
- With relevant skills and experience progress into supervisory positions
- Conditions can get warm and you'll be on your feet for much of the time
You'll work on different types of garments, like suits, shirts, trousers, jackets, dresses, blouses and uniforms. You might carry out quality control checks on garments before they're packaged and sent to customers.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Include using scissors and steam presses, a professional ironing table and steam iron to shape garments and remove or add creases
- Operate computer-controlled machines like a carousel or tunnel press
- Carry out basic daily maintenance like cleaning filters
- Piece up garments ready for collection
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your salary may be based on piecework, where you're paid by the number of items or kilograms completed each day.
In manufacturing, you'll work on garments during the production process, known as 'under-pressing', and 'garment-finishing' in the final stages of production. In larger textiles companies, you might combine pressing with other tasks, like pattern grading or cutting. In a small dry-cleaning company, you might take on duties like dry-cleaning or garment alterations.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone who is patient, methodical and good at working with their hands.
Although there are no formal entry requirements for this job, applicants need to show they can be reliable, follow instructions, and have an awareness of health and safety issues. Knowledge of basic IT and experience in machine operation are also useful.
You may need to do a practical test at your interview.
You could do an NVQ qualification at Level 2 in the following areas: Manufacturing sewn products, Dry cleaning operations, or Dry cleaning service support.
You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship with a clothing manufacturer or dry-cleaning company.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With relevant skills and experience, clothing pressers may be able to progress into supervisory positions.