The Training Agency Sistema Formazione & Servizi Avanzati Srl (accreditation code no. OF0284), as lead partner of the A.T.I. (Temporary Association of Companies) with La Fabbrica delle Idee Srl (accreditation code no. OF0083), Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio (accreditation code no. OF0244), Arti 21 Srl, and Monnalisa S.p.A., in implementation of the Public Notice for the granting of funding pursuant to Article 17, paragraph 1, letter a) of Regional Law 32/2002 for training programmes (Fashion Sector), approved by Executive Decree no. 7852 of 10/04/2024 and subsequent amendments, funded under the Tuscany Regional ESF+ Programme 2021–2027, following the approval for funding, pursuant to Executive Decree no. 24569 of 31/10/2024, of the project, acronym FASHION_LAB title SKILLS DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES FOR THE FASHION SECTOR AND THE VALORISATION OF MADE IN ITALY (project code 318175)

organises and manages the delivery of the following course:

Garment Prototype Development Operator
(Registration number 2024LM1795)

The course aims to train professionals capable of working with competence and precision in the fashion sector, particularly in the creation of garment prototypes.

The objective is to train pattern makers with advanced tailoring skills, who are also able to conceive and develop the product. They can work in ateliers, companies, or independently, and are able to modify existing products or create garments starting from a sketch. Particular emphasis will be placed on artisanal creativity and Made in Italy, which will inspire the creations through dedicated technical study and in-depth training sessions.

This professional figure enhances personal production, Italian creative flair, and the craftsmanship of the product and prototype, also in connection with the local territory. The course is aimed at individuals with good manual skills, creativity, and a passion for fashion, particularly for the creation of clothing products.

STRUCTURE OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

The course includes a total of 900 hours, consisting of 414 hours of classroom lessons, 96 hours of laboratory activities, 30 hours of collective/individual guidance, and 360 hours of internships in companies within the sector.

The course will take place from 13 June to December 2025.

Lessons will be held from Monday to Friday, from 8:45–12:45 / 13:30–16:30.

>> DOWNLOAD THE FASHION LAB 2025 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Participants will be able to:

• develop the ability to understand and apply fashion trends, with particular attention to Made in Italy.
• acquire technical skills in the design and creation of patterns and paper patterns.
• understand the textile, morphological, and physical characteristics of fabrics and other raw materials.
• understand company functions and the production process within the fashion/clothing sector.
• develop skills in pattern making and the creation of garment prototypes.
• correctly use industrial machinery and manage the organisation of workflow within a company.
• master prototype development and garment construction techniques.
• acquire skills in quality control and prototype corrections.
• understand workplace safety regulations and the principles of sustainability and ethics in fashion.

Together with styling and pattern making, this professional figure is at the origin of the value creation process within the sector; as such, it represents a competitive factor and a strategic resource that companies seek to retain internally. During periods of favourable economic conditions, this role may be subject to a particularly high level of demand.

Significant professional experience in this field can lead to career opportunities as a pattern maker, in high-end artisanal tailoring, or as a finished product quality tester. The professional operates within companies of all sizes that manage the prototyping phase internally. The role involves close collaboration with the pattern-making department and with the fabric and cutting departments.

The course is aimed at 15 participants, with a 50% reservation of places for women.

Applicants must be unemployed or inactive individuals who have reached the age of 18, or who hold a three-year vocational education and training qualification.

For foreign citizens, a basic knowledge of the Italian language is required (A2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

The duly completed and originally signed enrolment application must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. photocopy of a valid identity document
2. residence permit (only for non-EU citizens)
3. curriculum vitae
4. copy of the educational qualification
5. any other certificates or documentation (e.g. medical certificates)

The documentation must be submitted by 31 MARCH 2025 – EXTENDED TO 30 APRIL 2025, through one of the following methods:

• By email to didat@fondazionelisio.org or tutor@gruppopartner.com, with attachments in PDF format and the subject line “FASHION LAB Enrolment”
• By certified email (PEC) to lfdisrl@pec.it, with attachments in PDF format and the subject line “FASHION LAB Enrolment”
• By postal mail, sending the documentation to FONDAZIONE ARTE DELLA SETA LISIO, Via Benedetto Fortini 143, 50125 Florence or to LA FABBRICA DELLE IDEE SRL, Largo Torricelli 7 – Pieve al Toppo, 52041 Civitella in Val di Chiana (AR). The postmark will not be considered valid as proof of submission.
• By hand, at FONDAZIONE ARTE DELLA SETA LISIO or LA FABBRICA DELLE IDEE.

>> DOWNLOAD THE FASHION LAB 2025 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

>> DOWNLOAD THE FASHION LAB 2025 ENROLMENT APPLICATION (DOCX file)

>> DOWNLOAD THE FASHION LAB 2025 ENROLMENT APPLICATION (PDF file)

At the end of the training programme aimed at awarding the qualification of Garment Prototype Development Operator, a final examination is scheduled.

Admission to the final examination is subject to the participants’ mandatory minimum attendance requirement: participants must have attended at least 70% of the total training hours (of the training programme and, within this percentage, at least 50% of the internship hours) and must have achieved an average score of at least 60/100 in the intermediate assessments.

Participants who do not pass the final examination will be issued a statement of the training units (UF) successfully completed.

The final examination will consist of three different tests. The scores obtained in each test will be added together to determine eligibility.

1. Practical Test – Creation of a Garment Prototype
2. Project Work – Creation and Presentation of a Complete Garment Design Project
3. Oral Examination – Assessment of Technical Knowledge