Current Program

Fashion Design provides specialized training in the latest methods of sewing, sketching, draping and pattern making and students are encouraged to continually experiment with creative design problems. This training can lead to jobs as designers, assistant designers, pattern makers, production managers, graders and other related positions. The program, which stresses solving industrial problems with professional techniques, reflects the goals of the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Mission Statement. In recent years, college budget conditions, changes in students' basic skill levels, changes in technology, the increasing use of technology, as well as the availability of weekend classes have all affected the program and the type of classes offered.

Degrees and Certificates - An A.A. degree is offered in Fashion Technology and an A.A. degree and a Certificate of Completion are offered in Fashion Design. Students enroll in Fashion Design for transfer, to obtain a certificate, for personal enrichment and/or for retraining or upgrading employment skills.

Personnel - At this time there are 15 full-time faculty, 15 part-time/limited faculty, one full-time classified staff person and one student employee.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture/lab and lecture/demonstration are the most frequently used method of

instruction in the Fashion Design program, with lecture and some computerized instruction used as well. At this time no online courses are offered.

Technology - Computers are used at this time as part of the instructional program.

Equipment - Some of the program's current computer equipment is unusable because of a lack of memory and support systems. Some computer equipment that has been donated should be integrated into the existing lab.

Facilities - In general the manual labs serve current needs adequately; however, the computer labs are too small and under-equipped to adequately serve student needs. The size and number of classrooms are adequate for the present. The condition of facilities is poor - ceilings are literally falling down, temperatures in classrooms during most of the year top 80 degrees (and in fall sometimes reach 105 degrees) and maintenance is sorely lacking.

Staff Development - Some basic computer training is needed at this time.

Future Program

In both the short term (five years) and the long term (ten years), enrollment in the Fashion Design program is expected to increase at the same rate as the overall college enrollment.
The program will grow as curriculum is developed to meet changes in technology, technology continues to change, student academic preparation continues to decline and the college's recruitment strategies and number of facilities increase. The fashion industry is ever-evolving and advancing, and as long as the program remains flexible to demand, enrollment should increase with the college's increased recruiting efforts. One or two courses in Tailoring could be offered as part of this program. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No changes in the requirements for the degree or certificate are expected within the next ten years.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - In general, alternative delivery methods of instruction are not and will not become a significant part of the program because demonstration and hands-on lab time make up such a significant part of the instruction.

Technology - As more computer instruction is included in the curriculum, more computer hardware and software will be needed, as well as upgrades to keep pace with industry technology. Within five years all software will be outdated and need to be replaced. Maintenance contracts are needed for Gerber, Lectra, Tukatec, and Aims software, and a service contract is needed for the Mac computers in the fashion lab.

Equipment - Several dress forms need to be replaced. Within five years sewing equipment will require replacement, especially the buttonhole machines and steam equipment.

Facilities - The computer labs are too small and under-equipped to adequately serve student needs, and within five years at least two more computer labs will be needed. Two large lecture rooms would help accommodate larger lecture classes and guest speakers. Each new lab will require an additional office space, and an office is needed for an existing classroom that does not at this time have one. Faculty need a multi-purpose room equipped with computers for meetings and to organize materials for classes. All facilities need attention and maintenance in general needs improvement.

Staff Development - As computer software changes, staff skills must be upgraded as well.

Special Recommendation

The department should review its curriculum to include larger class sizes, and explore new methods of instruction and alternative delivery systems to provide more opportunities for students to access the program. New technologies that are responsive to business and industry needs should be incorporated into the program as well.