Tailoring

We are building a skilled workforce for the tailoring and dressmaking industry. Our students graduate as professional tailors, dressmakers, and clothing designers certified by the Kenyan National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). They are able to perform tasks ranging from clothing repair to alterations to new clothing design and creation, qualifying them to work as employees in tailoring shops and clothing manufacturing firms or as entrepreneurs, building their own businesses.

Career paths after graduation include:

Fashion designer
Retail store manager
Tailor
Seamstress

Pattern maker
Stitcher
Fabric cutter
Machine operator

Tailoring Year One

Students in Year One learn the basics of the sewing industry. The work of a tailor requires the ability to use fine motor skills and work with exacting measurements, so much of this first year focuses on attention to detail as well as basic technical practices. Students learn to work with sewing tools and equipment, how to take measurements and make accurate calculations, basic hand and machine sewing, as well as the basics of safety, hygiene, and client relations. At the end of the year, students are qualified to work in a tailor shop, performing routine tasks with supervision.

Year One Learning Modules

Module	Subject
1	Safety and hygiene – workshop, fire safety, first aid
2	Basic tools and equipment – use and maintenance
3	Hand stitching
4	Sewing machine – use, safety, and maintenance
5	Basic measurements and calculations
6	Occupational safety and health

Tailoring Year Two

In Year Two, students expand their knowledge, skills, and workplace abilities to meet strict industry standards. Students learn to draft and cut patterns, prepare and cut fabric and other materials, sew garments according to specifications, and perform custom finish work. Students finish this year qualified to work with greater independence in a tailor shop and to work as machine operators and cutters in the garment industry.

Year Two Learning Modules

Module	Subject
1	Occupational safety and health procedures – lead and practice
2	Measurements and calculations for all garments
3	Machine set-up and operation – use, testing, readjustments, and maintenance
4	Pattern design and drafting
5	Pattern preparation and material cutting
6	Pattern assembly and sewing
7	Finish work – fully prepare final product for customer
8	Quality standards – work assessment, problem-solving, record keeping, error corrections
9	Teamwork – workplace roles, communication, meeting behavior, problem solving
10	Professional behavior – personal growth, development and integration of personal objectives with organizational goals

Tailoring Year Three

In Year Three, students develop the advanced and independent skills required of a professional tailor, dressmaker, and designer. Heavy emphasis is placed on creative design and turning increasingly complex designs into physical garments. Students learn advanced tailoring skills that include focus on measurements, drafting, layout, assembly, and budgeting. Focus is also put on client relationships and customer satisfaction. Students are qualified to work as professional tailors and have the entrepreneurship and financial training necessary to run a small business.

Year Three Learning Modules

Module	Subject
1	Design analysis – entire process including measurements, redesign, and costing
2	Complex garment-making preparation
3	Basic blocks and pattern
4	Fabric pattern cutting and stitching
5	Garment finishing
6	Project designs – jackets, trousers, shirts, skirts, dresses
7	Professional safety and decorum – leadership skills
8	Employment preparation – next steps after graduation