Quentin Felix's Bespoke Cutter and Tailor apprenticeship ran from February 2018 - November 2020, taking just under 3 years. During this time he was employed by Hirsch Tailoring and trained with The Tailoring Academy, where he now works as a tutor. Quentin received his apprenticeship with distinction.
What are the responsibilities of your role and what does a typical day look like for you?
As an apprentice, as I picked up new skills, I would be in charge of the complete assembly of suits , including fittings and adjustments. Of course it started with small tasks I could learn and apply on commissioned garments. I will always remember on my first day being already tasked to topstitch the edges of a customer's jacket.
What has surprised you the most about the apprenticeship and the industry?
It was a completely different way of learning from my previous university studies, and I realised I had done so little with my hands so far. It has also made me even more aware of the fact that any garment has had to go through many hands to be produced.
Do you have any highlights or a memorable moment from your apprenticeship?
I can still remember when I made my first suit from the draft to the hand finishing. It was not only a great achievement to get to a stage where I had learned about all the steps, but I could also see how the materials arrived in the workshop as a bolt of fabric and left the workshop as a 3 piece suit - here's a photo via The Tailoring Academy's Instagram:
What’s been the biggest learning curve?
To become more efficient in the way I work. I had to realise this is not just a fun hobby to do in my free time, and that I had to gain experience in speed and accuracy to be done quicker with the task.
Why did you decide to take the apprenticeship route into the industry?
I wanted a career change from robotics engineering and got this opportunity from Brita at Hirsch Tailoring. I was curious and motivated enough to tell myself "let's give it a try, and if it is not for me I can find something else".
What advice would you give to those considering an apprenticeship?
You must be motivated and ready to learn a lot and practice a lot before thing becomes good enough.
Read more and Quentin's work:
https://www.ukft.org/manufacturing/manufacturing-heroes/quentin-felix/
https://www.whiteley.co.uk/quentin-felix-getting-into-tailoring/
The Tailoring Academy delivers the ultimate in UK tailoring training to the next generation of bespoke cutter and tailors. Founded in 2018 to address the shortage of practical skills training, the Academy is the only UK training provider accredited to deliver the SEG Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring, a regulated qualification. Find out more.
To find out more about apprenticeship routes into fashion and textiles, check out the UKFT Futures website.
The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is the largest network for fashion and textile companies in the UK. We bring together designers, manufacturers, suppliers, agents, educators and retailers to promote their businesses and our industry, both in the UK and throughout the world. Find out more.