A growing population will demand more clothes, but foreign assembly plants will continue to keep employment down. There also are new machines that cut down on the number of employees needed to get the work done. Examples of labor saving equipment include sewing machines that can position needles and trim threads automatically and devices that automatically position fabric pieces under the needle and remove and stack completed pieces. Union wages are higher than nonunion. Full-time work ranges from 35 to 40 hours per week.
Benefits can include paid holidays, vacations, health and life insurance, and child care.
Some employers prefer persons who have experience or training on power sewing machines. Training is offered at many community adult schools, regional occupational centers, or trade schools. Sewing Machine Operators are usually trained on the job under the supervision of a foreperson or an experienced worker. A beginner may be assigned to work automatic machines to develop the right moves and timing. The length of time required to achieve a good speed and a decent quality of production depends on individual ability.