Other names for Patternmaker:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Fabric Pattern Maker

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Patternmaker?

A Patternmaker is a skilled artisan who designs and makes patterns or templates. 

They are often found in the clothing and fashion industries.

They could also work in the following industries:

• Building (working with carpenters etc)
• Car
• Machinery

Pattern makers work off designers’ blueprints (plans). They measure out exactly the life-size patterns/templates needed to cut the material that the item is going to made from.

Before cutting, Patternmakers fit pieces together like a puzzle so that they waste as little material as possible. 

What does a Patternmaker do?

• makes sketches
• takes measurements
• draws up patterns/templates accurately
• creates a line of templates for different sizes (eg clothing)
• makes templates

Are you … ?

• good at arranging shapes together?
• geometrically aware?
• good with your hands?
• accurate?
• observant?
• budget conscious?
• good at mathematics?
• neat?
• creative?
• organised?

How do I become a Patternmaker?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Foundry Operations (Wooden Patternmaking) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges. Check what your colleges offer.
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Patternmaker without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

CLOTHING

Sometimes Patternmakers are only given a sketch and must actually create the design themselves.  Because of this, a Patternmaker needs to have the right qualification.

• DUT: Durban University of Technology & CPUT: Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Offer a 3 year Diploma in Fashion Design

• UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

Offers a 3 years, full time National Diploma in Clothing Management

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

There are some private institutions that offer Patternmaking courses. You will have to do your own research to find them.

Other kinds of pattern making you can study:

FOUNDRY PATTERN MAKING

• SAIF: South African Institute of Foundrymen: 

ENGINEERING/INDUSTRIAL PATTERN MAKING

WOOD PATTERN MAKING

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Fashion Designer … or … Tool, Jig and Die-Maker 

Is becoming a Patternmaker the right career choice for me?

Hairdressers cut, colour and style both mens’, womens’ and childrens’ hair.  Hairdresser are highly skilled, creative and talented people. 
Some Hairdressers also trim and cut beards, moustaches and shape eyebrows etc.  Some Hairdressers specialise in certain areas, for instance, in African hair styles: (braiding, extensions, plaiting etc), childrens hair or hairstyles for the movie industry.

Hairdressers can work:

• in salons
• in a barber shops
• in client’s homes, retirement villages etc (mobile hairdressing units)
• on a movie, television sets

What does a Hairdresser do? (trainee Hairdresser)

• meeting and greeting clients
• making sure towels and supplies are ready
• shampooing, conditioning and rinsing hair
• massaging client’s scalp
• keeping the salon clean and tidy

What does a Hairdresser do? (qualified Hairdresser)

• discussing the client’s requirements
• suggesting suitable styles
• cutting, styling or colouring according to customer requests
• perming or straightening hair
• styling hair for weddings and special functions
• advising on minor hair and scalp problems
• keeping up-to-date with the latest hair trends
• ordering supplies and keeping stock
• keeping records of client’s processes
• hiring and firing employees
• keeping up to date with their training
• maintaining strict hygiene in the salon

Are you … ?

• passionate about hair and hair design?
• a people’s person?
• a good listener?
• able to communicate?
• detail orientated?
• creative?
• a person with good eye-hand co-ordination?
• neat and tidy?
• a trendsetter?
• driven to learn new techniques?
• a person with a sense of pride?
• professional?
• able to deal with difficult clients?
• a person with good stamina – you have to stand all day?

How do I become a Hairdresser?

Further Education and Training Colleges (FET) may offer programmes for specific Trade or Skills set such as hairdressing. We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

Here are some institutions where you can study hairdressing either part-time or full time:

• SERWALO HAIR ACADEMY:  (Pretoria, Nelspruit and Polokwane)

Offers the following courses:

• Afro Caribbean Course – International course specialising in Afro Caribbean hair
• National Certificate in Hairdressing – Full Time
• National Certificate in Hairdressing – Part Time
• International Diploma in Hairdressing – Part Time

They also offer ‘Skills Courses’ so that you may earn-while-you-learn and work yourself into being a qualified Hairdresser:

• SUNDARA INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY COLLEGE:  (Table View)

Offers both part-time and full time hairdressing courses
Offers a 3 year, Services SETA Hairdressing Diploma.  It’s accredited with both ITEC and Services SETA. The course comprises of level two, three and four.

• ICESA EDUCATION:

Offers a 5 month Learning Programme in Hairdressing
Offers 1 year – NFQ Level: 2 Certificate in Hairdressing

• HAIR AND IMAGE INSTITUTE:  (Gauteng)

Offers short courses and a 2 year part-time (once a week) course in hairdressing. This latter course falls under the Further Education and Training (FET) Band of the Department of Education (DoE).
The National Qualification (Trade Test Certificate) that is awarded to you by the Services SETA is recognised in:  Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England and European Union
Minimum requirements: 
Grade 9 and turn 16 years in the year of enrolment
Be employed full time in the hairdressing industry

• ACADEMY OF SOMATOLOGY & HAIRDRESSING:  (Pretoria East, Pretoria, Tshwane, Centurion, Midrand and Johannesburg)

Offers HAIRDRESSING AND BEAUTY THERAPY and ‘Skills Courses’

• Hairdressing:  levels 1 and 2 – one year
• Hairdressing:  level 3 – six months

(Working in a salon the rest of the time is essential)

• TERENZO INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSING PROFESSIONALS – The School:  (Cape Town)

Accredited with Umalusi, the Department of Education and with the Services SETA
Offers a 3 year National Certificate

• SOUTH CAPE COLLEGE:  (Various Cape areas)

Offers a National Certificate: Hairdressing Level 2-4
Minimum requirements:  Grade 9 certificate, NQF Level 1 qualification

• WESTCOL  COLLEGE:   Accredited by the Services SETA

Offers a full and part-time National Certificate in Hairdressing (NQF 2), (NQF 3) and (NFQ 4)
Minimum requirements:  Preference will be given to learners with a Grade 12 certificate.

• INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSING ACADEMY:  (Sandton and Cape Town)

Offers a 3 year part-time National Certificate in Hairdressing (NQF 2), (NQF 3) and (NFQ 4) or 1 year full time qualification

• BE PREMIERE HAIR:  (Stellenbosch)

Offers the following:

• National Certificate: Hairdressing NQF2, NQF 3 and NQF 4
• International ITEC Qualifications
• ITEC Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing
• ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Beauty Therapist and Special Effects Artist

Is becoming a Hairdresser the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No:

What is a Day Spa General Manager?

A Day Spa General Manager generally works in a hotel, resort or safari lodge. 

They are in charge of the daily running of the spa as well as monitoring and managing staff, ordering stock and making sure that the guests/clients are satisfied with their spa treatments.

What does a Day Spa General Manager do?

• prepares for guests or clients’ arrival
• answers the phone
• takes reservations
• organises therapy timetables
• makes sure the workstations and treatment rooms are in order
• makes sure gift packages and stocks are neat
• accompanies guests and clients to their respective rooms
• completes client cards
• prepares teas and snacks
• tidies up rooms after treatments
• orders supplies and keeps track of stock
• deals with guest complaints
• makes sure the spa is run hygienically and according to safety standards

Are you … ?

• a person with strong inter-personal skills?
• a person with strong communication skills?
• knowledgeable about the spa industry?
• confident?
• professional and reliable?
• cheerful and positive?
• a team player?
• able to manage staff?

How do I become a Day Spa General Manager?

Some Day Spa General Managers have worked their way up from therapist to this position, or from being a receptionist to this position.

You would need to learn on-the-job, all aspects of the running of the spa and have experience in this field before you can move up the corporate ladder.

Some training in beauty therapy will help, while training in hospitality management would be extremely advantageous.  You can do some of these courses through colleges near you.

For more information – look under Beauty Therapist on our website.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Make-up Artist … or … Hairdresser

Is becoming a Day Spa General Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 264202

Other names for Fashion Editor:

• Newspaper or Periodical Editor
• Associate Editor
• Editor
• Editorial Administrator
• Features Editor
• Legal Editor
• Magazine Designer
• News Editor
• Pictures Editor
• Programme Editor
• Publications Advisor
• Publications Editor
• Publications Officer
• Subeditor
• Technical Editor
• Website / Blog Editor

What is a Fashion Editor?

If the idea of fashion and creativity excite you – why not think of becoming a Fashion Editor.  This job may be perfect for you!

A Fashion Editor’s career is filled with glamour and lots of hard work! 

• They are always deadline driven and work tirelessly to bring new faces, fashion styles and trends to the public’s attention. 
• Fashion Editors usually work for magazines and are responsible for the content, creation and layout and presentation of fashion-specific articles and photographs for the magazine. 
• They can also work for websites, newspapers or television shows.
• Fashion Editors may specialise in a particular field such as: clothing, accessories, beauty and make-up etc or in some cases – work in all these fields.
• Well known Fashion Editors wield huge influence on the world of style and, therefore, can make or break an up and coming designer’s career.

What does a Fashion Editor do?

• constantly researches new fashion trends
• guides the direction of a publication in terms of clothing, accessories and shoes etc
• supervises writers or writes articles themselves
• formulates and styles fashion photo shoots
• chooses photos for publication
• makse sure design layout is eye-catching and appropriate
• networks with industry professionals like designers, photographers, trend-setters etc
• attendsfashion and trade shows

Are you … ?

• passionate about fashion?
• creative?
• stylish?
• a person with a good sense of colour and design?
• determined?
• a good writer?
• computer literate?
• able to delegate?
• able to meet deadlines?
• able to work well under pressure?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Fashion Editor?

Most Fashion Editors either come with a background in fashion or graphic design. 

See ‘Fashion Designer’ and ‘Graphic Designer’ for more study details.

PATH 1

You may start your career as a Fashion Editor – first, as a junior layout artist or an assistant to an established Fashion Editor. 

You would gain experience through these positions and eventually, after many years experience, work your way up into the position of Fashion Editor.

PATH 2

National Certificate in Editing and Document Design

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Set Designer … or … Furniture Designer

Is becoming a Fashion Editor the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 332301

Other names for Fashion Buyer:

• General / Company Buyer
• Merchandise Planner

What is a Fashion Buyer?

Do you enjoy the world of fashion?

Does choosing the fashion that will be sold in our retail stores appeal to you? If you have answered yes, why not study fashion and become a Fashion Buyer?

Fashion Buyers use their sense of colour, style, knowledge of fashion trends and the understanding of their target customers’ desires to create an attractive selection of clothes and accessories for retail stores. 

Fashion Buyers often make their selections and purchases up to 1 or 2 years in advance due to the length of time it takes for designers or manufacturers to make up the orders. It’s therefore, important to have a deep understanding of past, present and future fashion trends.

Fashion Buyers must be good at budgeting and planning so that a good range is always available to customers.

Fashion Buyers usually work for department stores, clothing chains, wholesale clothing distributors or smaller retail establishments.

They are responsible for selecting and purchasing clothes and accessories from designers, manufacturers and/or wholesalers for their company to sell. Fashion Buyers in large stores usually specialise in a particular area of fashion like men’s wear, lingerie, accessories, shoes etc.

What does a Fashion Buyer do?

• researches and keeps up to date with current fashion trends – constantly!
  
• knows the companies target market – what the customer will like
• oversees the development of a range
• attends national and international fashion and trade shows
• international window shopping!
• travels – buys samples/ideas from all 4 corners of the world
• liaises with designers and manufacturing companies
• constantly communicates with management and suppliers
• orders samples from suppliers
• works with budgets and pricing
• negotiates contracts: prices and delivery times with suppliers

Are you . . .?

• passionate about fashion?
• a person with foresight?
• versatile and flexible?
• enthusiastic and determined?
• conscientious, professional and decisive? 
• creative and imaginative ?
• self motivated?
• willing to travel?
• a person with a good sense of colour and style?
• a person with a good head for business?

How do I become a Fashion Buyer?

Most Fashion Buyers will have a background in fashion. They may have studied fashion design (see under Fashion Designer for study options) or they have a flair for fashion but have studied merchandising instead. 

Some Fashion Buyers have studied both! 

In large stores, you may get on-the-job training for their particular target market. 

Having diplomas or degrees behind your name in relevant fields will be extremely advantageous.

Path 1

• Work in a fashion retail store from the bottom up.
• You may start as a Shop Assistant or even as a Packer. 
• If you work hard and are reliable, the company may send you on training courses and you can work your way up to Fashion Buyer.

Path 2

• Learnership: National Certificate: Wholesale and Retail – Buying & Planning Level 5

Path 3

• Diploma or Degree in Fashion Design or Clothing Management
• Work experience in a fashion retail store

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Fashion Illustrator or Fashion Model 

Is becoming a Fashion Buyer the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Aromatherapist?

Aromatherapy is a branch of holistic medicine.

Aromatherapists use plant extracts and essential oils to treat conditions such as stress and skin disorders through massage. The physical properties of the oils is vital and the

Aromatherapist is well-schooled in which aromatic oils are necessary for each particular treatment.

What does an Aromatherapist do?

• discusses ailment/problems with client/patient
• diagnosesproblem
• choosse/mixes essential oils to remedy the problem
• treats wounds, superficial scars, skin cancer, skin toning and skin-cell stimulation
• learns and develops new forms of treatments
• attends courses and lectures to keep up to date
• follows up with clients

Are you … ?

• good with people?
• interested in their health and well-being?
• interested in alternative medicine?
• empathic?
• a good listener?
• good with your hands?
• professional?
• a good communicator?

How do I become an Aromatherapist?

There are many places that you can do part-time or full time courses at. 

Here are a few examples:

• MADGE WALLACE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE: of skin and body therapies

• INSTITUTE OF NATURAL HEALTH:

Diploma NQF Level-6 in Therapeutic Aromatherapy

Further Education and Training Colleges (FET) may offer programmes for aromatherapy.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest TVET / FET College.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Beauty Therapist or Hairdresser

Is becoming an Aromatherapist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 522102

Other names for a Salon Manager:

• interested in the field of beauty?
• good with your hands?
• professional?
• hygienic?
• neat and presentable?
• warm and open?
• friendly?
• caring?
• fit with high stamina levels?
• good with time management?

Most employers want you to have a relevant beauty qualification and a number of years of working experience in a salon.

Extra ‘management’ qualification/s will be an advantage.

You must also be registered with one or more of the following:

• CIDESCO – Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie
• SAAHSP – South African Association of Health and Skincare Professional
• ITEC and City Guilds

There are many places you can study skincare therapy. There are public as well as private instititutions.

TVET colleges may offer beauty therapy courses.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

PATH 1

• Relevant beauty therapy qualfication
• Work in a salon for a number of years to get experience

PATH 2

• Certificate in Beauty Salon Management 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  B&B Manager … or … Day Spa General Manager

Is becoming a Salon Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:  514202

Other names for Reflexologist:

OFO No: 514207

Other names for Beauty Therapist:

• Somatologist
• Beauty Technologist
• Health and Skin-care Therapist
• Spa Therapist

What is a Beauty Therapist?

A Beauty Therapist specialises in beauty treatments for the face and body. 

These treatments vary from one salon to another but include some of the following:  various massages and facials, hair removal treatments, pedicures and manicures, eyebrow & lash treatments, tanning, tinting and waxing. 

Some salons may even specialise in Botox, electrolysis, cellulite treatments, lymphatic drainage etc. 

Some sell cosmetics and advise their clients on skin care.

They are responsible for making their clients feel good about themselves.

Beauty Therapists can work in a salon, a department store, on cruise ships or work from home.

What does a Beauty Therapist do?

• answers the phone
• takes bookings or answers queries
• meets and greets clients
• discussses beauty treatments with client and advises on options
• performs the treatment/s requested
• cleans and/or sterilises all equipment
• tidies treatment cubicle
• advises on cosmetics

Are you … ?

• interested in the field of beauty?
• good with your hands?
• professional?
• hygienic?
• neat and presentable?
• warm and open?
• friendly?
• caring?
• fit with high stamina levels?
• good with time management?

How do I become a Beauty Therapist?

Most employers want you to have a relevant qualification be registered with one or more of the following:

• CIDESCO – Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie
• SAAHSP – South African Association of Health and Skincare Professional
• ITEC and City Guilds

There are many places you can study beauty therapy. There are public as well as private instititutions.

TVET colleges may offer beauty therapy courses.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

You will need a a matric and qualification:

Path 1

• Diploma in Somatology

Path 2

Univeristy of Technology

• National Diploma in Somatology
• Bachelor of Technology in Somatology

Path 3

• Relevant NQF Level 5 qualification
• Advanced Higher Diploma in Somatology

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Make-up Artist or Fashion Stylist

Is becoming a Beauty Therapist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 514207

Other names for Skincare Therapist:

• Aesthetician
• Skin Peeling and Dermabrasion
• Permanent Make-up Artist
• Medical Aesthetician
• Make-up Artist
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL / Laser) Skin Technician
• Facial Therapist
• Cosmetologist
• Beauty Therapist

What is a Skincare Therapist?

A Skincare Therapist specialises in skincare treatments like derma-abrasion, peeling, botox, lymphatic drainage etc. They may even include  various massages and facials, hair removal treatments, pedicures and manicures, eyebrow & lash treatments, tanning, tinting and waxing. 

Some sell cosmetics and advise their clients on skin care.

They are responsible for making their clients feel good about themselves.

Skincare Therapists can work in a salon, a department store, on cruise ships or work from home.

What does a Skincare  Therapist do?

• answers the phone
• takes bookings or answers queries
• meets and greets clients
• discussses skincare treatments with client and advises on options
• performs the treatment/s requested
• cleans and/or sterilises all equipment
• tidies treatment cubicle
• advises on cosmetics

Are you … ?

• interested in the field of beauty?
• good with your hands?
• professional?
• hygienic?
• neat and presentable?
• warm and open?
• friendly?
• caring?
• fit with high stamina levels?
• good with time management?

How do I become a Skincare  Therapist?

Most employers want you to have a relevant qualification be registered with one or more of the following:

• CIDESCO – Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie
• SAAHSP – South African Association of Health and Skincare Professional
• ITEC and City Guilds

There are many places you can study skincare therapy. There are public as well as private instititutions.

TVET colleges may offer beauty therapy courses.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

You will need a a matric and qualification:

Path 1

• Certificate in Beauty Care NQF Level 3

Path 2

• Certificate in Beauty Care NQF Level 4

Path 3

• Diploma in Beauty Therapy 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Body Make-up Artist or Tattoo Artist

Is becoming a Skincare  Therapist the right career choice for me?