Building Blocks of Competencies for Occupations in the Apparel and Soft Goods Industries Los Angeles Design and Media Arts Department Los Angeles Trade Technical College Personal Effectiveness Competencies Time Management The process of planning and exercising control over the amount of time spent on specific activities in order to accomplish specific tasks, projects and goals in the allotted time frame. Organizes and prioritizes projects and assignments Sets realistic goals and deadlines Creates work/life balance Is a proactive and strategic thinker in approaching workload Prompt, creates and adheres to a schedule Stays on task when necessary and manages interruptions Completes projects in the allotted time frame Plans for future projects Creativity Transcending traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, etc., and creating meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, or interpretations. Generates many new and unique ideas Adapts what is learned to projects Tries new methods to achieve objectives Contributes valuable ideas in brainstorming settings Generates new approaches to solving problems Problem Solving The mental process that involves identifying, analyzing and finding solutions to a variety of problems. Defines the problem through discovery and analysis Researches and fact finds without jumping to quick conclusions Understands how and why the problem exists Understands how the solution will be implemented Solves problems through trial and error Problem solves quickly and under pressure
Computer and Digital Literacy The ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, analyze, and share information using frequently used computers and digital devices, the Internet, and software applications. Computer Literacy Knowing how to use mouse, keyboard, and computer operating system (both PC and Mac) Navigating e-mail; composing, sending, and receiving e-mail; posting attachments; employing e-mail etiquette Attaching, creating, modifying, and saving electronic documents including using external storage devices Navigating the Internet and the World Wide Web, recognizing the significance of domains (e.g., com, net, edu, org, gov) Uploading/downloading files Understands commonly used illustration and drawing software in the industry (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) Using search engines effectively to retrieve desired information Digital Literacy Using word-processing software to cut, paste, and format text; spell-check; and save and move files Having access to and using digital devices Using presentation software, graphics, multimedia elements, visual displays of data and other aids to clarify complex or technical information Uses social media as a method to obtain input and feedback Academic Competencies Mathematics and Analytical Thinking Calculations, measurements, and analytical thinking used in creative design processes. Mathematics Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages; calculating averages, ratios, proportions and rates; converting decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals; converting fractions to percentages Taking measurements; using and reporting measurements correctly; converting from one measurement to another; solving problems involving measurements Takes measurements using a rule and tape measure Reading diagrams with an understanding of symbols, scales, keys and legends Analytical Thinking Carefully weighing the priority of things to be done Identifying many possible causes for a problem Approaching a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and considering each part in detail
Making a systematic comparison of two or more alternatives Reading and Connection to Writing and Thinking Skills Reads industry-related materials and takes/organizes notes. Reads industry publications Comprehends and follows instructions Understands common industry vocabulary Takes (writes) and organize notes Foundational Workplace Competencies Design Principles Knowledge of the primary elements that are the basis for creation of a finished product. Identifies the various principles of design repetition, radiation, contrast, balance, rhythm, harmony Understands the ways in which these principles can be used in design Applies the basic elements of design silhouette, line, texture, color, and proportion Combines basic elements of design in new and exciting ways Takes a 2 dimensional concept (e.g., a sketch) and produces a 3 dimensional object Color Theory Understands basics of colors and application in design. Understands and is able to use industry color terminology Understands the characteristics of color Understands how to research color trends and use color forecasts Develops and chooses appropriate color palettes based on season and customer category Industry Overview Knowledge of the apparel industry from concept to retail. Understands ways in which the apparel industry changes depending on the market/location Recognizes most common positions in the apparel industry Researches apparel industry firms and labels Identifies major apparel software titles and their functions within a firm Understands the working conditions and requirements of the industry Sketching, Drawing, Illustration?, and Storyboarding Visual depiction of design concepts. Identifies a target customer (theme)
Creates a customer profile Creates a color palette using visual components Displays gathered information on a board with a title representing a concept Need to add sketching and drawing skills What about illustrating??? Job Seeking Able to navigate the employment processes used in the industry. Research common mediums used by the industry to announce employment opportunities Identify employment opportunities that match skills, abilities, and desired working conditions Write a resume Interview skills Core Technical Competencies Grading, Marker Making, and Plotting Proportional increasing and decreasing of original patterns to create a size range. Layout pattern pieces to minimize waste of material and mark fabric. Creates and identifies different size table range Compiles specification and construction information to develop a technical form Understands that different fabric designs (e.g., plaids, stripes, engineered prints) require different marking techniques Identifies proper control methods to identify yardage and shade lots for production and estimates yardage per marker Knows grading and marking software terminology Sorts pattern pieces based on pattern information Understands cutting and layouts of various types of fabrications Uses a digitizer to input patterns into a computer - grading Uses grading and marker making software to grade patterns into different sizes - grading Uses grading and marker making software to create a simple marker grading Plots markers - grading Develops production control forms using standard and industry specific software Draping A three-dimensional process of style development by manipulating fabric on a form that permits designers to freely and accurately express visions and ideas. Prepares and blocks a piece of muslin Identifies proper grain directions and style lines Drapes and transfers markings to develop a paper pattern Trues all markings and adds seam allowances Cuts and sews for a test fit
Checks the test fit on the dress form and perfects the patterns Fitting Knowledge of the relationship between a garment and the human body, including balance and proportion. Has ability to understand and interpret someone else's ideas Understands the way a garment should appear and fit the human body Understands garment construction Identifies and communicates (verbally, in writing, and illustrating) corrections and adjustments needed for patterns Visualizes proportions Sewing garment construction Understanding pattern markings, pattern cards, fabrications, marker making, cutting, and garment construction. Reads and understand patterns including pattern card Knowledge of fabrications including grain lines, selvedge, and true bias Knowledge of markers and fabric utilization Recognizes garment shapes and details Knows principles and practices of garment construction and finishing including: quality techniques, proper pressing techniques and presentation Cuts and sews garments including: shirts, dresses, skirts, jackets, swimwear, evening styling Identifies commonly used industrial machines and their applications Basic Pattern Making The ability to create a new pattern and/or use an existing pattern to create a new style. Understands the three, interrelated principles and properties of pattern making: dart manipulation, added fullness, and contouring Drafts sleeves Drafts collars Accounts for and applies seam allowances applicable to style Applies pattern marking used in the production process Prepares face cards (manual and computer) Advanced Technical Competencies Tech Pack Preparation Prepare package containing all the technical components needed to produce a garment including specifications, grade rules, textiles and trims, packaging, garment construction, technical sketch, size breakdowns, fit corrections, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and deliveries. Has a basic understanding of all the components needed to create a tech-pack
Uses Bill of Materials (BOMs) information to prepare Tech Pack Understands specifications and how to measure finished garments Determines grade specifications of different sizes Compiles finished product information, identifying technical problems Understands labels, hang tags, care instructions Writes sequence of assembly Illustrates a technical sketch (manually and computer-generated) Demonstrates fit/pattern corrections Prioritizes Tech Pack preparation to meet due dates in the production cycle Computer-Generated Pattern Making and Marker Grading Translate designer s idea to create a first pattern, convert their original design to a working pattern, and communicate industry standard sizing to graders. Develops pattern cards using computer software Creates rule tables Estimates the amount of fabric required to produce a garment Modifies patterns using industry specific software Production Processes Costing, quality control and inspection, import/export processes, product management, sourcing, product development, and materials management. Costing. Costing garments for production. Estimates yardage per garment Identifies findings (e.g., trim, fabrics, labor) necessary to produce a garment Extends prices on cost sheet to reflect per garment costs Researches how findings are sold (per gross, per yard, etc.) Reads a bias chart and converts chart information to price Evaluates garment construction operations and variations to determine cost-effectiveness Estimates labor costs Calculates percentage of mark-up to obtain profitability Calculates cost to produce a garment Quality Control/Inspection. Uses quality control/assurance measures during production process. Understands inspection process from bundling through completed garments Corrects seam allowances during production process Tracks production progress and reports delays Measures garments at all phases of production for accuracy Reads cutting tickets Verifies count blocks match cutting tickets
Import/Export. Off-shore manufacturing. Knows customs/quotas rules, regulations, and laws Understands importing and exporting terminology Is familiar with global manufacturing options Understands issues related to long-distance quality control Evaluates benefits and challenges of manufacturing off-shore and importing materials, supplies, and finished goods Production Management. Management of the production process. Manages production control documents (manual and electronic) including but not limited to, specification sheets, cutting requests and cutting tickets Identifies delivery records to ensure delivery of completed production cuts Manages inventory control and delivery of findings per production lot Tracks outstanding orders to ensure timely delivery of findings Develops production control forms using standard software Charts production processes using industry-standard software Prioritizes production lots Manages production flow Considers sourcing, lead time, and shipping (including overseas) in scheduling production processes Sourcing. Sources and/or purchases findings, materials and labor, domestic and abroad. Researches trimmings and materials for price and quality comparisons Determines lead time versus costs when making decisions to source domestically and abroad Evaluates substitutions of findings or materials to maintain quality assurance Negotiates prices Understands compliances issues, domestic and abroad Understands supply chain management Product Development. Knowledge of steps in the design process from the idea/inception to finished product; including design modifications and trim and materials substitutions. Prioritizes garments in design room to ensure timely delivery Offers modification to ensure flow through the production process Makes acceptable substitutions of materials or findings to facilitate good work flow Materials Management. Control of materials from point of purchase through the production process. Knowledge of multiple resources for material purchase to ensure delivery dates Follows-up on orders to ensure timely deliveries Conducts fabric inspections Implements proper control methods to identify yardage and shade lots Advanced Pattern Making
Drafts and uses pre-existing patterns to develop advanced garment styles, utilizing all fabric types. Uses a pre-existing pattern to develop different torso styles Uses a pre-existing pattern to develop different jacket styles and collar variations, including inter-construction Drafts basic pant patterns including jeans, trousers, and slacks Uses a pre-existing pattern to develop different pant styles Uses a pre-existing pattern to develop bodice and sleeve combinations (e.g., raglan, kimono, etc.) Adjusts pre-existing pattern to reflect different stretch fabrications used in knitware Adjusts pre-existing pattern to reflect specialized fabrications (e.g., velvet, plaid, chiffon, engineered prints) Drafts swimwear patterns Uses pattern making software to alter or create computerized patterns Garment/Textile Research and Design Knowledge of fabric science research and development and fabric design. Relates fabrications to design styles Develops and coordinates garments into color stories Researches and analyzes current industry trend data (e.g., color, fabrics, silhouettes, details, and proportion) to determine style direction Researches and analyzes company sales trend data and gathers feedback from sales and production personnel to determine style direction Translates design ideas into groups, themes, and stories Prioritizes and schedules workflow in the design room Communicates pattern fit and construction changes to design staff Modifies fabric croquis and identifies fabric repeats Researches findings, fabrics, and prints necessary to produce a garment Selects yarns, fibers, fabric content, fabric finishes based on the science of fabrics Chooses base cloth based on hand and drape of fabrics Matches/applies fabrics to appropriate fashion silhouette Marketing Knowledge and understanding of the importance and value of various visual marketing methods and practices. Understands effectiveness of creative fashion presentations Presents product line/prototype garments within a fashion-related company and to retail stores Presents and dramatizes the trends or sell message thru storyboards and other visual aids such as catalogue, social media, and look books, media kits Understands marketing process and market segments Understands product branding Specialized Competencies
Shoes and Handbags. Making shoes and handbags from design to finished product. Draws a design on a shoe form (last/shoe form) Fabricates using leather or specialty fabrics Uses specialty tools and machinery utilized in shoe and handbag construction Drafts shoe and handbag patterns Lasts the shoe Couture. Understands unique characteristics and construction methods of couture garments. Uses special tools and supplies for couture sewing. Uses special tools for couture sewing Identifies the difference between mass production and couture finished garment(s) Demonstrates couture hand finishing techniques Tailoring. Construct a traditional, tailored garment. Understands difference between ready-to-wear apparel and custom made garments Hand stitches buttonholes, constructs and welts pockets, and tailors placket for shirt sleeves Applies padding techniques to shape fronts, lapels, and collars Applies shoulder pads and sleeve heads Constructs a fully-lined, tailored jacket with vent details on sleeves and jacket