Wardrobe assistant

You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification to work as a wardrobe assistant. Subjects include:

• costume design
• fashion
• textiles
• costume construction

These may give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, such as:

• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an Advanced Apprenticeship to get into this role, like:

• Costume Performance Technician Level 3
• Garment Maker Level 3

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start out as a production runner with a stage or screen company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.

You could also work for a theatrical costume hire company to get into the industry.

Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You can get volunteering experience through:

• student theatre and film productions
• amateur or community theatre
• dressmaking
• casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets

Career Tips

Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has information about recommended daily pay rates for wardrobe assistants .

Further Information

You can learn more about being a wardrobe assistant from Get Into Theatre.

As a wardrobe assistant, you might:

• hire or help to create costumes and accessories
• check, clean and iron garments ready for use
• dress performers and help with costume changes between scenes
• alter and mend items
• store costumes and deal with returns once a production has finished

You could work at a film studio, on a film set, in a theatre or at a TV studio.

Your working environment may be cramped and hot.