The Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) apprenticeship scheme offers a unique opportunity to learn directly at the hands of the most skilled practitioners of bespoke tailoring in the world.

Launched in 2007, to date the SRBA apprenticeship scheme has ensured that over one hundred young people have graduated and gone on to work at the highest level of handcrafted tailoring. SRBA membership conditions stipulate that members must participate in the apprenticeship scheme and employ at least one salaried apprentice at all times.

The official training partner of the SRBA is the The London Academy of Bespoke (LAB). From September 2024, LAB will offer a pre-apprenticeship course that has been specifically designed to provide SRBA member houses with a steady stream of pre-prepared candidates for apprenticeships. LAB’s teachers are all Savile Row-trained cutters and makers that care passionately about sharing their knowledge and ensuring the future of bespoke tailoring on our street. It is not a pre-requisite that applicants for apprenticeships at our member houses complete the LAB pre-apprenticeship course, but it is helpful.

The length of the apprenticeships at SRBA member houses vary accordingly, but each demonstrate the remarkable work and dedication that all parties commit to them:

• 4 to 6 years for those specialising in cutting
• 3 to 5 years for those specialising in coats
• 2 to 3 years for those specialising in trousers

All work is overseen by the Technical Committee of the SRBA, which comprises the Head Cutter of each member house.

The completion of an apprenticeship results in the award of the Savile Row Bespoke Association Apprenticeship Certificate, the most valuable qualification in bespoke tailoring. And it also opens the door to a lifelong career in bespoke tailoring on Savile Row, where skills and excellence are held in the highest regard.

The SRBA apprenticeship awards are held annually in June and assessment is carried out by a panel of master tailors from our member houses.

Applications for SRBA apprenticeships can be made directly to the member tailoring houses or by completing the application form HERE.

Please Note: At the end of the application you will be asked to upload supporting documents and a cover letter. Please make sure you have what you need as you will be unable to save and continue.

Full details of LAB’s SRBA pre-apprenticeship course can be found HERE.

Bursaries are available for students needing financial assistance.

In the course of qualifying, apprentices may also participate in the Golden Shears Competition, the leading national bespoke tailoring competition, which is held every two years at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Competition applications should be addressed to thegoldenshears@merchants-taylors.co.uk