What can you build on top of the apprenticeship certificate?
Further and continuing education for clothing craftspeople
When you have your journeyman certificate you can stay in the workshop or production the rest of your life – but you can also use it as a springboard. Because the vocational education gives access to a range of further education and the industry values people who both know the craft and have built on it.
§Short courses: stay sharp
AMU courses and other short further education allow you to update continuously – for example in new materials, machines, or digital design tools. It is the quick way to stay relevant without putting your working life on pause.
§Further in professional academy
With a journeyman's certificate and the right foundation you can apply to business academy educations building on the trade. An obvious example is design technologist where you work more with design product development and the business side of fashion and textiles. It gives you a broader profile than the purely craftsmanship-based.
Towards a bachelor
If you want to go further, an academy education can often be extended to a professional bachelor or you can apply to relevant bachelor educations in design, textiles and entrepreneurship. Here you move from the executing toward the developing, leading or creatively steering.
| Level | Example of direction. | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Short course | AMU and sector programs | Update in technology, materials and digital tools |
| Business academy. | Design technologist | Broader design, development and business profile |
| Professional bachelor | Design / textile / entrepreneurship | Development leadership and independence competencies. |
§The independent path
Some clothing craftspeople dream of their own brand, own sewing shop or own studio. Here it is not just craftsmanship that counts but also business, economics and customers. Courses in entrepreneurship and business management can make the difference between a good idea and a business that works.