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Sew Hope Sewing Apprenticeship Program/ Youth Sewing Program
What is the Sew Hope Apprenticeship Program and the Youth Sewing Program?
The Sew Hope Apprenticeship Program (SAP) and our Youth Sewing Program equips individuals with the skills needed to pursue a career as a professional sewist. Whether you aim to work as a production sewist in a St. Louis-based company or start your own sewing business, our adult and youth programs are designed to support you. We welcome individuals with or without prior sewing experience.
Now enrolling for our August & September cohorts
More about our Programs
Over the course of these programs, you will develop entrepreneurial skills, sewing production techniques, and management abilities. Our dedicated teaching staff provides hands-on instruction, helping you operate domestic, industrial, and embroidery machines. You will learn the fundamentals of sewing, cutting, measuring, and garment production. Upon completing your paid on-the-job training, you will be recognized as a Certified Industrial Sewing Machine Operator Apprentice by the Missouri Department of Labor.
Program Structure
The Sewing Apprenticeship Program is 16 weeks of classroom instruction held on Mondays from 8:30am - 5:00pm inside the Thomas Dunn Learning Center.
The Sewing Apprenticeship Program is available for St. Louis City and St. Louis county residents ages 16 and up.
Sewing Apprenticeship Program Dates
Mondays | 8:30am - 5:00pm
August 4th - November 17th
Cohort participants are expected to attend all weekly sessions. There is a $250.00 tuition fee for co-hort participants that is due on the first day of class. We currently have scholarships to waive this fee for justice-involved participants. Participants who graduate from our 16-week program may continue in our apprenticeship program and be matched with local employer partners while continuing in our sewing program to further skills in garment manufacturing, quilting, machine embroidery and alterations.
Students will learn:
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16 weeks of fundamental domestic and sewing construction skills
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Visits with local designers, tailors and sewists
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Entrepreneurial tips and tools for launching a sewing business
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Mentorship with local entrepreneurs
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Matching with employer partners for those who meet sewing benchmarks
The Youth Sewing Program is for St. Louis City residents only who are between the ages of 14 years - 24 years. This program is free for St. Louis City youth. Youth who successfully complete our 16 week youth sewing program are eligible for a $1,000.00 stipend.
Youth must commit to participating in our weekly Youth Sewing Program cohort.
Dates and times are:
Saturdays | 12PM - 4PM
September 6th - December 20th
During the 16 weeks, youth will learn beginner and some advanced sewing skills; basic garment construction and pattern reading; entrepreneurial tools to launching a sewing business, mentorship and development.
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Participant Requirements:
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Sew Hope and its Employer Partners follow non-discriminatory and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies in recruiting and selecting apprentices.
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Every person requesting an application will have one made available.
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Applicants must provide supporting documents (e.g., US driver’s license, birth certificate, or other acceptable proof of age; social security card) to prove work eligibility and residence in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and in the United States.
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Eligible starting age is 14 years for our Youth Sewing Program. Both of our sewing programs are open to both men and women.
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Must be able to perform essential functions with/without reasonable accommodations and without posing a direct threat to health and safety.
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Basic understanding of the English language is required.
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No prior sewing experience is needed, but a willingness to learn is essential.
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Participants who would like to continue with us after their 16-week cohort and complete up to 2,000 hours of classroom instruction will receive a certification as Sewing Machine Operator.
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The Sew Hope Apprenticeship Program and Youth Sewing Program are part of Jacob's Ladder Ministries, a faith-based organization guided by Christian values. Each morning, we begin our day with an optional devotional, which includes a short reading, reflection, and prayer. Participation is voluntary and all are welcome to attend or respectfully opt out.
