Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Gerber Pattern Making and Grading Certificate is a comprehensive 280-hour professional program designed for students who want to master digital pattern development using Gerber AccuMark software. This program focuses on industry-standard model creation, grading systems, technical data management, and digital production preparation used in professional apparel manufacturing.

Program Details

The Gerber Pattern Making and Grading Certificate provides in-depth training in digital pattern drafting, grading rule development, model building, and technical production preparation using Gerber AccuMark. Throughout the program, students develop confidence in navigating the AccuMark interface, understanding menu systems, managing data files, and applying grading logic.

Areas of Focus

• Gerber AccuMark sequence of operations
• Digitizing pattern shapes and data input
• Model creation to industry standards
• Grade rule table composition
• Piece identification and pattern verification
• Seam allowance and notch placement
• Digital dart manipulation and block adjustments
• Marker making and yield calculation
• Costing chart and measurement chart development
• Creation of a final digitized tailored jacket

Program Structure and Hours

• Duration: 14 weeks
• Total Program Hours: 280 hours
• Weekly Schedule: 20 hours per week
• Delivery Method: In-class and Live Online Hybrid

Program Journey

The program is divided into four modules:

Module 1 Introduction to Gerber AccuMark

Students begin by understanding the Gerber AccuMark sequence of operations and the structure of the digital pattern environment. They learn how pattern shapes are digitized and entered into the system.

Module 2 Creating, Saving, Digitizing, and Backing Up

Students create new pieces using the Create Piece Menu and organize models within the Pattern Design environment. They practice digitizing closed and mirrored pieces while verifying data accuracy.

Module 3 Manipulating Blocks and Grading

Students manipulate digital blocks through drafting, tracing, dart manipulation, and geometric editing tools. They rotate and flip pieces, assign rule tables, trace asymmetrical pieces, and create grading maps.

Module 4 Final Project and Presentation

In the final stage of the program, students create a fully digitized tailored jacket that demonstrates model building, grading logic, marker creation, and production preparation. Students present their final project to peers and instructors, reinforcing professional communication and technical explanation skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Develop models to industry standards using Gerber AccuMark
• Create and manipulate digital pattern pieces
• Compose and apply grade rule tables
• Convert and manage digital production data
• Generate costing charts and measurement charts
• Formulate technical specification sheets
• Operate and utilize plotter systems
• Produce a fully digitized and graded garment

Career Paths

Graduates of the Gerber Pattern Making and Grading Certificate are prepared for specialized digital production roles within the apparel industry. Career opportunities may include:

• Apparel Pattern Maker
• Apparel Grader
• Marker Maker
• Technical Designer
• Junior Pattern Maker
• Gerber Technician

Tuition and Grants

• Domestic Tuition: $6,995.00
• International Tuition: $8,450.00
• Application Fee (Domestic): $250
• Application Fee (International): $500
• Books and Materials are excluded from the tuition fees.

Admission Requirements

To apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• High school graduation or mature student status (19+)
• Admissions interview in person or via Zoom or Skype
• Application Essay (minimum 250 words) outlining your passion and career goals
• English proficiency, if applicable
• CLBPT minimum 6
• Duolingo 85 to 90 accepted in certain circumstances

Meet Your Instructors

The program is taught by experienced instructors, including:

• Jessica Hsu, with almost three decades of experience in the fashion industry
• Chay Clayton, VCAD Alumni with experience in pattern making and sample sewing
• Julie Crawley, a seasoned fashion industry leader and educator with over three decades of experience in product development, design innovation, and supply chain strategy.