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INDUSTRIAL SEAMSTRESS/SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR

What is it?

An industrial seamstress, also known as an industrial sewer, is a skilled worker who operates sewing machines in a factory or production setting. Their primary function is to efficiently sew large quantities of garments or components for mass production. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

Production and Sewing:

  • Operate Industrial Sewing Machines: They use specialized industrial sewing machines designed for high speed and durability. These machines can handle heavy materials and perform specific tasks like single-needle stitching, serging (finishing edges), or attaching components.

  • Follow Work Orders: Their work is guided by detailed instructions called work orders. These orders specify exactly what needs to be done, including seam types, stitching patterns, and material handling.

  • Meet Production Quotas: Industrial sewing is fast-paced, and seamstresses need to be efficient to meet production quotas. This requires a high level of dexterity and focus to consistently produce quality work.

Quality Control:

  • Inspect Work: They are responsible for inspecting their work for any defects or inconsistencies. This might involve checking for uneven seams, missed stitches, or flaws in the material.

  • Maintain Quality Standards: Ensuring finished products meet established quality standards is crucial. This involves identifying and reporting any issues to prevent defective items from moving forward in the production line.

Machine Maintenance:

  • Perform Basic Maintenance: Industrial seamstresses often perform basic maintenance tasks on their machines. This could involve changing needles, oiling moving parts, or identifying minor problems that need further attention from a mechanic.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Maintaining Workspace: Keeping their workspace clean and organized is important for safety and efficiency.

  • Following Safety Procedures: Factories have strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. Industrial seamstresses need to be familiar with and adhere to these procedures.

Overall, industrial seamstresses are vital to the garment manufacturing industry. Their skills and efficiency ensure the production of high-volume, consistent-quality clothing.

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Length of Training

10-30 Weeks

Type of Training

In Person

* Salary Range

$25,000-$45,000

(entry level – experienced)

Rows of industrial sewing machines in a brightly lit factory, with fabric pieces and chairs nearby, suggesting active garment production and various sewing jobs taking place.

Is it Right For You?

Here are some qualities that make for a good industrial seamstress:

Technical Skills:

  • Machine Expertise: A strong understanding of how industrial sewing machines operate is essential. This includes knowing how to thread needles, adjust settings, troubleshoot minor problems, and perform basic maintenance.

  • Sewing Techniques: They should be proficient in various sewing techniques used in production, like straight stitching, serging, topstitching, and attaching zippers or pockets.

  • Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination: Fast and precise hand movements are crucial for operating machines efficiently and maintaining high-quality stitching.

  • Ability to Follow Instructions: The ability to meticulously follow detailed work orders and production guidelines is essential for consistent output.

Work Ethic:

  • Efficiency: Industrial sewing is fast-paced, and meeting production quotas requires a strong work ethic and the ability to work efficiently.

  • Concentration: The ability to focus for extended periods and maintain consistent quality throughout the workday is important.

  • Teamwork: While some work might be independent, collaboration with colleagues and supervisors is often needed to maintain a smooth workflow.

  • Reliability: Showing up on time and being dependable are essential qualities in a factory setting.

Additional Qualities:

  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial to identify and prevent any quality issues in their work.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify minor machine issues or production hiccups and take corrective action is valuable.

  • Adaptability: Production processes or materials might change, so being adaptable and willing to learn new techniques is a plus.

  • Good Stamina: Standing for long periods and performing repetitive motions requires good physical stamina.

Overall, a good industrial seamstress is a skilled and efficient worker who can combine technical expertise with a strong work ethic. They are detail-oriented, reliable, and adaptable to the fast-paced nature of mass garment production.

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A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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