Nordstrom and FIT have partnered to launch a specialized tailoring certificate course—Custom Alterations and Tailoring Techniques—focused on advanced sewing techniques and alterations in a retail environment. This new offering presented through FIT’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS) is designed to equip adult learners and early career professionals with practical, in-demand skills and offer a direct pathway to potential career opportunities in Nordstrom’s tailor shops and beyond.
Classes for the nine-week course begin October 4, and tuition assistance is available for interested students. By covering tuition costs for this course, the scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and create greater access to educational and employment opportunities in this skills-based profession.
“Investing in the future of tailoring ensures we can continue offering the personalized service our customers expect from us,” said Marco Esquivel, director of services at Nordstrom. “Through this partnership with FIT, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of tailors and helping ensure this important craft thrives for years to come.”
Upon completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to apply for positions within Nordstrom Alterations, the largest employer of tailors in North America, employing approximately 1,500 alterations specialists. Individuals who complete this certificate program will have advanced knowledge of the hiring assessment process, significantly increasing their chances of meeting Nordstrom’s skill requirements.
This course is taught on-site at FIT and involves hands-on training. The course will be taught by Broadway costume builder and FIT faculty member Michael Harrell, with a curriculum co-created by Nordstrom and FIT. The Custom Alterations and Tailoring Techniques certificate covers essential techniques in garment alterations and fitting, including, but not limited to, foundational hand-sewing skills, advanced custom alterations using specialized sewing machinery, men’s and women’s alterations, and fabric and garment construction.
FIT is thrilled to partner with Nordstrom on this initiative, said Jacqueline Jenkins, executive director of the Center for Continuing and Professional Studies at FIT. This program exemplifies our shared commitment to providing adult learners and early-career professionals with relevant, hands-on training that prepares them for real-world opportunities. By combining Nordstrom’s industry leadership with FIT’s educational expertise, we’re creating a program that not only addresses workforce challenges but also opens doors for students to succeed in a dynamic and rewarding profession.
Enrollment for the program is now open. To register and receive additional information, visit the Alterations and Tailoring Techniques website. There will be a virtual information session on September 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm ET. Register for the information session.