Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Working Life

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 sise.  
 
Pressers are either first or second pressers. The first presser takes a piece of fabric, or part of an unmade garment, and lays it out flat with no creases. A foot pedal is then used to release the steam that presses out all the unevenness of the material. After this pressing, the piece of fabric is measured and gently stretched if it is not the required sise.  
 
The second presser takes a completed garment and puts it on the press, the steam is then released and once again creases are removed and the garment adjusted to the correct sise.  
 
The presser must know about fabrics and materials and of how they should be handled. Gentle handling is required when dealing with some man-made fibres to avoid visible finger marks. Pressers have to judge the correct temperature and amount of steam required for the material being pressed.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Hang, fold, package, and tag finished articles for delivery to customers.
• Operate steam, hydraulic, or other pressing machines to remove wrinkles from garments and flatwork items, or to shape, form, or patch articles.
• Straighten, smooth, or shape materials to prepare them for pressing.
• Remove finished pieces from pressing machines and hang or stack them for cooling, or forward them for additional processing.
• Finish pleated garments, determining sises of pleats from evidence of old pleats or from work orders, using machine presses or hand irons.
• Lower irons, rams, or pressing heads of machines into position over material to be pressed.
• Identify and treat spots on garments.
• Shrink, stretch, or block articles by hand to conform to original measurements, using forms, blocks, and steam.
• Finish fancy garments such as evening gowns and costumes, using hand irons to produce high quality finishes.
• Push and pull irons over surfaces of articles to smooth or shape them.

Further Information

• Clothing Presser- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

To enter this occupation, you must find employment in a clothing or dry-cleaning company. Training is normally carried out on-the-job, by experienced pressers. Skills in verbal, literacy, and numeracy may be required for customer service and till & cash handling. There are also clothes pressers in a manufacturing & packing context.

Key Skill Certs:

• Manual Handling
• Retail 

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing operations, engineering operations, retail associate, customer service skills.

Search for FET Courses

Developing your skills, you may look to progress on to careers in the sales & retail sector.

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Retail Supervision.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €31k

Salaries vary dpeending on employer, location,role, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Salaryexpert/ Salary explorer/ Excel Recruitment

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Weavers and knitters; Upholsterers; Footwear and leather working trades; Tailors and dressmakers Textiles; garments and related trades n.e.c.; Pre-press technicians; Printers Print finishing and binding workers; Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers; Florists Other skilled trades n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.

Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.

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