Tahatū is in development. There will be some disruptions while we make updates from 6-13 March.

Skip to main content

Tahatū is in development. There will be some disruptions while we make updates from 6-13 March.

Clothing, footwear and fabrics, Ngā kākahu, hū me ngā papanga

Clothing, footwear and fabrics jobs involve preparing fabrics and making clothes, shoes and furniture coverings.

You might

  • choose styles and designs with clients
  • prepare and cut fabrics
  • make, modify and repair footwear
  • sew, fit and alter garments
  • measure, cut and cover furniture with materials
  • finish items by cutting excess material
  • inspect stitching for defects

Career ideas
Ngā huatau aramahi,

Career idea

Hand cutter

Kaitapahi huanga ā-ringa

Pay

$54K to $66K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 3 years of training
Hand cutters use hand tools or hand-held power tools to cut and trim manufactured products and materials like fabric, stone, glass and rubber.

Career idea

Hand sewer

Kaituitui ā-ringa

Pay

$49K to $58K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 1 year of training
Hand sewers sew and alter fabric garments and products with a needle and thread. They may make patterns and designs.

Career idea

Leather worker

Kaiwhakarākei kiri kararehe

Pay

$57K to $81K annually

You'll need

No specific training
Leather workers make and repair leather goods like shoes, clothing, saddlery, luggage and upholstery.

Career idea

Patternmaker

Kaitā tauira tuitui

Pay

$50K to $83K annually

You'll need

1 year of training
Patternmakers turn designs for clothes and other items into patterns.

Career idea

Sewing machinist

Kaituitui ā-mīhini

Pay

$50K to $59K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 1 year of training
Sewing machinists use sewing machines to join fabric and create clothing, curtains, tents and other textile products.

Career idea

Shoemaker

Hūmeke

Pay

$53K to $63K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 3 years of training
Shoemakers design, make, repair and finish shoes, boots and other footwear.

Career idea

Tailor and dressmaker

Kaihoahoa, kaituitui kākahu

Pay

$50K to $63K annually

You'll need

Under 1 year of training
Tailors and dressmakers design, make, alter and repair clothing.

Career idea

Textile cutting machine operator

Kaiwhakamahi mīhini tapahi papanga

Pay

$54K to $68K annually

You'll need

Under 1 year of training
Textile cutting machine operators use machines to cut textiles used for making products like clothing, carpets, curtains and upholstery.

Career idea

Textile dyeing machine operator

Kaiwhakamahi mīhini tāwai papanga

Pay

$54K to $81K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 2 years of training
Textile dyeing machine operators use machines to dye fabric and other materials.

Career idea

Textile machine operator

Kaiwhakamahi mīhini whatu

Pay

$50K to $78K annually

You'll need

Under 1 to 2 years of training
Textile machine operators use machines to process yarn or thread into woven and knitted products like woollen clothing, carpets and rope.

Showing career ideas 1-10 of 13

Other work areas in Arts, media and design, Ētahi atu wāhi mahi i Ngā toi, rawatoi me te hoahoa

1 of 6

Need help using Tahatū?, Ka hiahia āwhina ki te whakamahi i Tahatū?

Kōrero mai, give us a call. We’re here from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

  • 0800 601 301
  • Contact us

About us

Support

Legal

Tertiary Education Commission
New Zealand Government
© Tertiary Education Commission