Sewing For Jobs - Curriculum

SEWING FOR JOBS: LEVEL ONE

  BEGINNER 

Participants learn hand stitching, introduction to the sewing machine, various sewing techniques, understanding basic sewing patterns and basic cutting skills. Following a laddered curriculum working on small projects that promotes skill building. Soft skills: time-management, community building, language practise, shifting childcare and home arrangements.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 13 weeks

Schedule: 4 classes per week (3 hours per class)

REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Refugee, Permanent resident or Canadian Citizen (or application in process)
  • Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 5+ (proof of level is required)
  • No previous sewing experience is required
  • Availability to attend 90% of the classes, which have resumed in-person

Sara, a Sewing For Jobs graduate, is now the assistant teacher for our Level One class!

SEWING FOR JOBS: LEVEL TWO

INTERMEDIATE

A focus on professional garment construction and finishing techniques is built in to the curriculum to ensure employment readiness.  Participants are also introduced to home business fundamentals including client relations, expectations, and pricing.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 13 weeks

Schedule: 4 classes per week (3 hours per class)

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Sewing For Jobs - Level 1 completed or intermediate/advance sewing skills 
  • Permanent Resident, Refugee or Canadian Citizen
  • Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 5+ (proof of level is required)
  • Availability to attend 90% of the classes

A few of our Level Two students help each other with pattern work. 

SEWING FOR JOBS: LEVEL THREE

 ADVANCED

After completing the Sewing for Jobs Level 1 and 2, or the equivalent in experience, all participants who would like to keep expanding their sewing skills, will be able to choose between two different advanced paths according to their needs or plans.

LENGTH OF THE COURSE: 13 weeks

Schedule: 4 classes per week (3 hours per class)

Module 1 – Advanced Industrial Sewing/Apprenticeship (Mass production setting) 

This is an introduction to sewing in the manufacturing industry. Industrial sewing is a skill for those interested in working in the field of sewing business and finish simple projects looking professional. In addition to basic industrial sewing techniques, the apprentice will build up skills and work on products at EcoEquitable, they will learn sewing safety, the most used equipment and accessories in the field of industrial sewing. the basics of working in a production facility environment using different types of industrial sewing machines (industrial serger, single needle industrial machine, how to thread the machines, basic troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial machines). Proper pressing, cutting, and test stitch length and quality of a product. This allows the apprentices to build enough practice and to improve their working speed to have better opportunities for employment. 

Work Operation Environment: Production of items, lay out, cutting, marking, and quality control. Some of the products they will make are a Chef Apron, a Zipper lined cosmetic pouch, grocery bags and many other projects (products may differ during session).

 

Module 2 – Alterations (enhance skill set) 

This is an introduction to the basics of alteration of clothes. Alteration is a skill for those interested in working in altering and fixing clothes. This course will guide you through techniques that range from replacing buttons to changing a garment’s shape for a better fit. Project covers alteration of skirts, dresses, pants, shirts, and update outfits that no longer fit properly, simply by following simple techniques to improve or revamp your wardrobe. 

The apprentice will practice on many different fabrics, learn to fit and pin garments to be altered, learn how to hem by hand and with a blindhemmer machine, use an industrial sewing machine for general sewing and an industrial serger/overlock machine. In this course you are on your way to advancing your skills with in-depth knowledge on equipment, fabric choices, measuring, stitching, and making pro-level alterations to garments.

Work Operation Environment: After in-class theory, students will be exposed to an alterations clinic work and learning setting, and take on client requests and orders, supervised by our trained Sewing for Jobs instructors.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Sewing For Jobs - Level 1 and 2 completed or intermediate/advanced sewing skills 
  • Permanent Resident, Refugee or Canadian Citizen
  • Minimum English Language Proficiency level : 5+ (proof of level is required)
  • Availability to attend 90% of the classes