Pattern Making Programme Opens in Durban: Start Your Career in Clothing Manufacturing

Pattern Making Programme Opens in Durban: Start Your Career in Clothing Manufacturing

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Want to break into South Africa’s clothing and manufacturing industry? Applications are now open for the Pattern Making Programme (PMP) in Durban, a six-month skills development and internship opportunity for unemployed graduates and final-year students.

This industry-focused programme combines classroom training with real manufacturing workplace experience, giving young people practical, job-ready pattern-making skills that employers are actively looking for.

Quick Programme Facts

  • Programme Name: Pattern Making Programme (PMP)
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Programme Type: Skills Development / Internship
  • Status: Applications Open

Programme Overview

The Pattern Making Programme is designed to develop technically competent, employment-ready pattern makers for South Africa’s fashion and clothing manufacturing sector.

Interns receive a balance of theoretical learning, hands-on practice, and industry exposure, ensuring they graduate with skills that translate directly into the workplace.

During the programme, interns will learn to:

  • Create accurate patterns from design sketches
  • Use professional pattern-making software
  • Apply sustainable practices in garment production
  • Work effectively in manufacturing teams
  • Communicate technical concepts clearly and professionally

How the Training Works

Training follows a rotational learning model each month:

  • 2 weeks of classroom-based theory
  • 2 weeks of hands-on workplace experience

Interns work alongside experienced pattern makers, gaining insight into real production environments, tools, workflows, and industry best practices.

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What You Will Learn

Technical Pattern-Making Skills

  • Manual pattern making
  • Tech pack development
  • Fabrics and fibres
  • Garment construction
  • Quality assurance

Manufacturing & Industry Knowledge

  • Principles of clothing manufacturing
  • Critical path management
  • Raw materials handling
  • Trend and range development
  • Quality control systems

Foundational & Workplace Skills

  • Manufacturing foundation skills
  • Store and production floor exposure
  • Sustainability in fashion and manufacturing
  • Preparation for the world of work

Who Should Apply?

To qualify for the Pattern Making Programme, applicants must:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Be 18–33 years old
  • Be unemployed
  • Have no criminal record
  • Hold a diploma or degree, or be a final-year student, in:
    • Fashion Design
    • Clothing Production
    • Or a related qualification

Programme Benefits

By completing the programme, interns gain:

  • In-demand pattern-making skills
  • Hands-on industry experience
  • Exposure to professional manufacturing environments
  • Improved employability in the clothing and manufacturing sector

Training Location

All training takes place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Applicants must be able to attend in-person training for the full six-month duration.

Skills Development Impact (FY2025)

This programme forms part of a larger youth skills initiative with proven results:

  • Youth Developed: 9,021
  • Youth Employed: 6,316
  • Absorption Rate: 70%

How This Programme Helps Your Career

Graduates leave the programme with practical pattern-making expertise, real workplace exposure, and industry-relevant skills — significantly improving their chances of securing employment in the fashion and manufacturing industry.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply online and submit:

  • Certified copy of South African ID
  • Qualification certificates (if graduated)
  • Academic record (if currently studying)

📌 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 Apply online now to start your pattern-making career

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