The fashion industry in Washington State is thriving. If you've always wanted to join the trade, local technical and vocational schools can help.

By Gabby Hyman
RWM Columnist
December 19, 2006

The Pacific Northwest is not just about Gore-Tex jackets and plaid shirts. The Evergreen State fashion scene is bustling with talented apparel, jewelry, and footwear designers and merchandisers. If you're looking for a career in this thriving industry, Washington trade schools can train you to join one of the many fashion professions from Spokane to Seattle and Bellingham to Portland.

Vocational programs offer associate's and bachelor's degrees in fashion design and apparel merchandising. You'll learn technical information about the industry, discover the range of vocations within the profession--and you'll build a portfolio that shows employers you're ready for business.

Design Your Own Career in Fashion
Fashion school faculty members have extensive experience in the profession, so you'll not only learn about the latest trends, but you'll be ready to create your own lines. Two-year trade school programs will introduce you to fashion design fundamentals, textiles and materials, computer-design applications, illustration, pattern creation, and apparel merchandising practices.

Students get hands-on vocational instruction with cutting tables, sewing and textile machines, and pattern-drafting software. You'll learn technical skills in draping, pattern design, industrial sewing, product sketching, line design, pattern grading, children's wear, non-Western fashion, menswear, accessories, and more.

Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
In Washington, fashion vocational schools offer two and four-year degree programs. You can earn an Associate of Applied Arts in fashion marketing in as little as 18 months, or a Bachelor of Science degree in three years. Students learn about fashion buying, creating marketing strategies, visual displays, promoting runway and trade shows, international trade trends and procedures. Merchandising majors will gain technical knowledge of fashion history, advertising, retailing, consumer behavior, and other tools for working in the industry.

When you graduate, you may find opportunities with major fashion manufacturers or department stores, as well as specialty shops, boutiques, shoe and jewelry merchandisers, and trade show producers. Whether you're seeking vocational training to join a major chain, or open your own specialty store someday, Washington trade schools can put the fashion world in your hands.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.