Move from basic construction to styled, decorated, market-ready fashion pieces.
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Level | Level 4 (Certificate) |
| Examining Body | TVET-CDACC |
Course Overview
Fashion Design Technology at Level 4 builds directly on Artisan-level garment construction skills, taking learners into styled garment production and decorative fabric techniques. Over six months, students at Delight Technical College develop the ability to produce garments with design detail LIKE pleats, gathers, decorative panels, and embellishment, rather than only basic silhouettes.
This TVET-CDACC-accredited Certificate course sits at the midpoint of Delight’s fashion pathway, preparing learners either to enter the industry as more skilled machinists and garment producers, or to continue toward the Craft and Diploma levels.
Why Choose This Course?
- Bridges the gap between basic garment construction and full fashion design
- Strong focus on styled garments and decorative fabric techniques that command higher prices in the market
- Six-month format balances depth with a realistic time commitment
- Taught by tutors with real fashion-industry experience
- Direct progression to Level 5 Craft in Fashion Design Technology
Learning Outcomes
- Produce styled garments incorporating pleats, gathers, and design panels
- Apply decorative techniques to fabric, including embellishment and surface treatment
- Interpret more advanced patterns and adapt them for styling detail
- Select appropriate fabrics and trims for a desired design outcome
- Maintain quality and consistency across a small production run
- Present finished, styled garments to a market-ready standard
Course Modules (Detailed)
| Module / Unit | Hours | What You’ll Learn |
| Module: Styled Garments Production | 300 hours | In-depth practice constructing garments with design features like pleating, gathering, panelling, and structured detailing, moving learners from ‘plain’ construction to genuine fashion styling. |
| Module: Decorated Fabrics Production | 120 hours | Techniques for embellishing and decorating fabric surfaces, including appliqué, embroidery basics, and fabric manipulation, used to add commercial value to finished garments. |
Practical Training
This level is heavily production-focused. Learners work on multi-step projects that require planning, cutting, construction and finishing across several sessions (much closer to how a real fashion production line or design studio operates). Instructors give detailed feedback on styling choices and finish quality, not just whether a seam holds.
Career Opportunities
- Garment production specialist in a fashion house or boutique
- Freelance styled-garment maker with a growing client base
- Decorative techniques / embellishment specialist
- Quality control assistant in small-scale garment manufacturing
- Progression to Fashion Design Technology (Level 5 Craft) and eventually the Diploma in Fashion Design
Entry Requirements
A minimum mean grade of D- (minus) in KCSE, or a Level 3 Artisan certificate in a related discipline.
Documents Required at Application:
- A copy of your National ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A copy of your KCPE and/or KCSE result slip or certificate (where applicable)
Skills You’ll Gain
Styled garment construction • Fabric decoration and embellishment • Advanced pattern interpretation • Fabric and trim selection • Production planning • Quality finishing
Certification
Learners who complete continuous assessment and the end-of-course examination are awarded a Level 4 Certificate in Fashion Design Technology, accredited by TVET-CDACC and positioned on the Kenya National Qualifications Framework, with progression to Level 5 Craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to complete Level 3 before joining this course?
A: Level 4 entry requires either a Level 3 Artisan certificate in a related discipline or a KCSE mean grade of D- (minus), so direct entry is possible even without our Level 3 course.
Q: What makes this course different from the Level 3 courses?
A: Level 3 focuses on basic construction of simple garments. Level 4 introduces styling detail and fabric decoration, producing more advanced, commercially valuable pieces.
Q: Can I study this part-time?
A: Yes. Full-Time/Online, Part-Time/Evening, Weekend Only, and Home Schooling options are all available.
Q: What comes after this course?
A: Graduates typically progress to the Level 5 Craft certificate in Fashion Design Technology, continuing toward the Level 6 Diploma in Fashion Design.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Kenya’s creative and technical industries are actively hiring skilled, certified talent and Fashion Design Technology (Certificate) at Delight Technical College is your fastest, most practical route to becoming one of them. With hands-on training, experienced tutors, flexible study modes, and a qualification recognised by TVET-CDACC, you’ll graduate ready to work, freelance, or build your own business from day one.
Intake is currently in progress. Visit Delight Technical College on Muindi Mbingu Street, opposite Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi, call or WhatsApp +254 722 533 771 / +254 724 566 088, email [email protected], or apply online at delight.ac.ke to secure your place on the Fashion Design Technology (Certificate) programme today.