Presser (clothes)

Pressers work for clothing manufacturers and dry-cleaning companies. They use steam presses to iron out wrinkles from fabric or garments.

Also known as:

• Clothes presser

Work activities

Pressers use pressure, steam and temperature to remove wrinkles from fabric before and after it is made into a garment. They also have to make sure the fabric or garment is the correct size. Many pressers work in dry-cleaning shops, where they will have other duties as well as clothes pressing. Pressers use a variety of machines to do their work depending on the garment being pressed. Pressers have to judge the correct temperature and amount of steam required for the material being pressed. The presser must know about fabrics and materials and how they should be handled. Gentle handling is required when dealing with some man-made fibres to avoid visible finger-marks. Most pressers are paid on piecework rates and work in steamy and hot conditions.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a presser, you’ll need:

• Good hand skills and nimble fingers.
• To be physically fit, as the job involves standing and bending.
• Knowledge of materials and fabrics, so that you can press them at the correct temperature.
• To know how to handle each particular fabric and material.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for clothes pressers vary depending on employer. The pay rates given are approximate. According to the Trades Union Congress, the average annual pay for a presser is £18,720, although you should expect to start on a much lower salary.

Pressers usually work a basic 39-hour week, which may include early starts and shift work. Part-time opportunities are also available.

Employers are firms in the clothing industry, ranging from small family businesses to large companies with many staff. Opportunities for pressers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You don’t need any qualifications to enter this kind of work. You may be able to find a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in this role.

Training is done on-the-job, usually by observing experienced staff.

Progression could be to supervisory positions.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills gained in the clothing manufacturing industry, using machinery, can be helpful.

Related careers

• Clothing alteration worker
• Dry cleaning assistant
• Laundry assistant
• Textile operative