Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners
What they do?
The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
A. Tailors make made-to-measure garments, such as suits and coats according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit; design patterns to fit measurements; mark, cut and sew fabric; and may alter and repair garments as required.
B. Dressmakers make women's garments; select and modify commercial patterns to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit, mark, cut and sew fabric; and may alter and repair garments as required.
C. Furriers make, alter, restyle and repair natural fur garments and accessories.
D. Milliners design, lay out, cut, sew and press fabric, leather and other materials into hats and related accessories.
E. Alterationists fit, alter and repair garments according to customers' requests by hand or using sewing machines.
Where they find work?
1. Clothing manufacturing - 41.0%
2. Other services (except public administration) - 29.0%
3. Retail trade - 13.0%
4. Textile product mills - 2.0%
What education do I need?
1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma.
2. You need to demonstrate your ability to sew, alter, and repair clothing, hats, furs, and accessories.
3. To be a tailor or dressmaker, you also need to demonstrate your ability to fit/style clothing, and you may need college or other related courses.
4. To be a furrier, you need several years' experience in selecting pelts.
High School Subject that will help:
- Math
- English
- Family Studies (Home Economics)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners is $11.13/HR, which is below average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and below average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
6% of Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings.
3. Hourly wages ($11.13) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
4. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average.
2. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job openings will likely exceed the number of job seekers. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (16%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Communication skills
2. Customer service
3. Craftsmanship
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
28% of Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 31,900 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 12% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The earlier-than-average retirement age (60) combined with an expected older-than-average age (46) of worker will likely result in an above-average retirement rate to 2009.
Self Employed
Self Employed:
Roughly 54% of Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners are self-employed. This is considered Above average for the industry as a whole.
Men vs Women
Men vs Women:
89% of the individuals employed as Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners are women. Compared to other industries, this is Above average .