Some drapery workers obtain a city or county business license that permits them to take custom orders and work at home. Large shops may offer insurance, medical, and pension plans. The normal workweek for drapery workers is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During peak periods, they sometimes work overtime or Saturdays at time and one half pay. There are no educational requirements for this occupation. However, acceptable applicants must be able to use rulers and yardsticks, measure material accurately, and solve simple arithmetic problems, including fractions.
Employers prefer to hire applicants with some experience operating power sewing machines.
High-school sewing classes or any type of sewing experiences are helpful. Some retail fabric and sewing machine stores offer sewing classes as a way to get likely customers into their showrooms. Training is almost always done on the job in this occupation. Higher pay comes with promotion to workroom supervisor. After a number of years learning the business, some drapery workers open a shop of their own.