Certificate in Apparel + Fashion Technology - Patternmaking

• We offer programme delivery in the practical, hands-on, technical aspects of the fashion industry.
• Each year we have high numbers of successful employment placements within the fashion industry with graduates in skilled positions such as fashion design, merchandising, production, and manufacture, fashion styling/buying/retail, and other areas of production management and commercial fashion design.
• Students in all programmes are immersed in activities that are rich and real; their learning is personally meaningful and is an active processing experience.
• Classrooms are set up to replicate apparel and fashion workrooms, and practical, industry-based sessions replicate working in the industry.
• Our tutors and support staff bring extensive and valuable industry knowledge to the programmes, and in preparing students for a career in the fashion industry.
• Multiple teaching methods and delivery strategies are used to meet the needs of our target learner group and maximise opportunities for students to receive and retain information, promote active engagement with materials, and engage in their own learning and the learning of others.
• Work experience and internships are a valuable and integral part of all our programmes and enable students to put their learning into context.

CPD 1: Pattern Design Technology 1 - Core Sewing Skills

Use core patternmaking skills to make (develop) unstructured flat patterns for outerwear garments for women, men, and children - does not include structured patternmaking such as lingerie or undergarments, swimwear, or tailoring. It also covers taking and recording body measurements or using standard size charts to develop patterns. Patterns are developed, then cut out and sewn up to test-fit to workplace requirements.

CPD 2: Pattern Design Technology 2 - Pattern Development

Select appropriate blocks and patternmaking techniques to adapt and develop patterns for design and/or fit for a range of outerwear garments for women, men, and children - does not include structured patternmaking (see CPD 1). Patterns are adapted, then cut out and sewn up to test-fit for design and/or fit to workplace requirements.

CPD 3: Pattern Design Technology 3 - Grading

Use specified grade rules and zero points, and apply manual pattern grading techniques to grade knitted and woven patterns for structured outerwear garments to workplace requirements. Grading is completed for women, men, and children.

CPD 4: Production Technology

Identify and describe fabric properties, including understanding knit stretch factors, and identifying fabric types such as knitted, woven, and non-woven, to match product end-use. It also covers selecting appropriate apparel componentry and care labelling, and developing specification sheets for unstructured garments to match end-use and legal requirements.

CPD 5: Workplace Practice

The application of accepted procedures and Whitecliffe Fashion Tech requirements that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, workplace practice, communication skills, and behavioural expectations in apparel and manufacturing organisations.

• Make, adapt, test-fit, and grade flat patterns for unstructured outerwear garments.
• Identify fabrics, components, and care labels appropriate to end-use of a garment.
• Prepare specification sheets and job breakdowns for garments.
• Communicate patternmaking requirements to customers for a range of unstructured garments.
• Meet the entry requirements for the Level 5 NZ Diploma in Apparel and Fashion Technology programme.

NZ Government key information link for students, that provides more information to support your decision making for this programme

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Minimum Age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
• Students must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology qualification or be able to demonstrate:
  • Equivalent industry experience
  • Workplace communication skills
  • A competent level of literacy and numeracy
• An entry exam may be required to test the applicant's literacy, numeracy, pattern recognition, garment construction, sequencing, and sewing skills

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Passport copy
• Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
• IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent
• Students must have completed 10 years of schooling and achievement equivalent to the NCEA Level 2 qualification
• Students must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology qualification or be able to demonstrate:
  • Equivalent industry experience
  • Workplace communication skills
  • A competent level of literacy and numeracy
• An entry exam may be required to test the applicant's literacy, numeracy, pattern recognition, garment construction, sequencing, and sewing skills