Textile and Fashion Careers

1. Explore

Have a passion for style and design? Turn your ideas into finished creations while learning the techniques, technology, and processes used in the fashion industry.

(6 credits):

Design and construct garments, explore patternmaking, textiles design, and merchandising. Students bring their creative vision to life and showcase their work in a live, student‑produced fashion show. This career‑focused program builds technical and business skills for success in fashion design, retail, interiors or entrepreneurship.

Carroll Magazine Article

Major Topics

Fashion design and textile design concepts
Garment construction techniques
Pattern making and apparel development
Sewing equipment and machine operations
Textile embellishment and fabric manipulation
Fashion merchandising and retail careers
Interior design concepts and applications
Handcrafted textile techniques
Physical and chemical properties of textiles
Fashion technology and industry concepts
Professional workplace skills and career readiness
Industry practices, teamwork, and communication

Past Student: "“The Fashions Program showed me that fashion is more than just clothing — it is design, creativity, and technology. I learned how to develop ideas, create garments, and understand the process professionals use in the fashion industry.”

Instructor

Catherine Harris

Titles: Textiles & Fashion Careers Teacher

Email:

Phone Numbers:
Work: 410-751-3669

2. Is this your future?

a. Are You Ready?

Students who enjoy this program are able to.....

Creative & Technical Skills

Keep Up with Multiple Projects – Manage design, sewing, and production tasks.

Note: As the class progresses from level 1 to level 2 the ability to produce and create under deadlines is critical.

Operate Professional Tools & Equipment – Use sewing machines, cutting tools, and design software safely.
Demonstrate Hand-Eye Coordination & Dexterity – Cut, sew, and assemble garments with precision.
Follow Multi-Step Directions – Apply techniques in the correct sequence.
Organize Information & Visuals – Plan, sketch, and lay out designs clearly.
Work Quickly & Accurately Under Deadlines – Meet timelines without sacrificing quality.
Apply Creativity & Critical Thinking – Develop innovative designs and solve production challenges.

Professional & Interpersonal Skills

Communicate & Collaborate Effectively – Work with classmates, instructors, and mentors.
Stay Alert & Aware – Monitor surroundings for safety and workflow.
Work Well Under Pressure – Stay focused during busy project periods.
Demonstrate Dependability & Work Ethic – Arrive prepared and motivated.
Exhibit Professional Behavior – Maintain respect and pride in all interactions.
Apply Reading, Writing & Math Skills – Follow instructions, measure accurately, and document work.
Thrive in a Real-World Fashion Studio – Experience the pace of professional design projects.

b. Do you see yourself in this career (videos)

Click on each of the icons to learn more about ONE of the careers in this field:

Fashion Designer

1. Watch a video

2. See more about...

3. Dig deeper

Other Related Occupations:

(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)

c. More Videos to help you decide

d. Where this program can take you

CCCTC is just the beginning of your journey

ENTRY LEVEL
With CCCTC start a career right after high school

Hemmer Operator
Machine Operator
Planning Assistant
Quality Control Expert
Sample Maker
Serger Operator
Workroom Manager

TECHNICAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a 2-year associates degree or trade school degree

Buyers for Retail
Client Service Manager
Computer Technician for Textiles
Custom Drapery Consultant
Fashion Blogger
Personal Shopper
Quality Control Expert
Sole Proprietorship Enterprise
Window Stylist

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL
CCCTC and a four-year degree that you will be well-prepared to complete

Art Director for a product
Brand Strategist
Buyers for Retail
Computer Technician for Textiles
Creative Director
Fashion Designer
Interior Designer
Fashion Director
Marketing Manager and/or Researcher
Product Developer
Retail Buyer
Sole Proprietorship Enterprise
Textile Chemist
Textile Designer

(Confused? Then try this CAREER SITE)

3. How CCCTC Gets You There

a. How this program prepares me

EARN COLLEGE CREDIT

Textile and Fashion Careers partners with Stevenson University
Students can earn college credits in this program through our agreement with this college:

Stevenson University – 6 credits

Contact the college or trade school you plan to attend and find out if you can earn credits or advanced standing at their institution!

COLLEGE ADVANTAGE:

Get a jump start on college
Use college level texts to earn college credit while having the training, skills, and experience that most high school graduates do not get until they are well into their college major. This program puts you in touch with state-of-the-art technology, so students can experience their chosen career field before they go to college.

CAREER ADVANTAGE:

Start your career NOW
Learn from an experienced instructor and work with industry grade technology that our local business partners use every day. After gaining skills and experience, some of our best students to come back as in house interns or find an internship at a local business.

b. Connection I will make

Stevenson University- has an agreement with CCCTC based on the college's requirements for curriculum, faculties, and instructor that is reviewed and renewed periodically to guarantee that students are getting the equivalent instruction at CCCTC that would be expected in class at that institution. Credits are awarded based on that agreement.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNSEL By Federal and state regulations each program has a group of local business and educational institutions that periodically meets to discuss the programs curriculum and resources to make sure current trends in technology and skills are being taught so that students are prepared for the ever changing career requirements for that industry.

c. Equipment

Bernina professional sewing machines
Industrial sewing machines and sergers
Embroidery machines
Cutting tools and fabric preparation equipment
Pattern drafting tools and supplies
Dress forms and garment display forms
Pressing and finishing equipment
Textile design and embellishment tools
Fabric samples and textile resources
Fashion design and illustration technology
Computer-based design tools
Retail display and merchandising equipment

d. Brief Description

Textile and Fashion Careers

Students in this program are provided opportunities to develop the professional skills and technical knowledge required in careers in fashion and textile fabrication. Instruction is given in materials selection, design, cutting, sewing, fitting, alterations, decoration, as well as the cultural, historical and political aspects of textiles. A variety of design projects allow students to develop their creative skills. An in-depth study of fashion design, interior design, and merchandising is also offered. Students personally construct garments to prepare for the student-produced fashion show.