Announcing: Nordstrom and Seattle Central College Partner to Bring Tailoring Program to Washington

Student sews at industrial machine in Seattle Central's Apparel Design and Development classroom.

We're excited to announce the Nordstrom Future of Tailoring Program, a new nine-week certificate course which builds upon the strengths of Seattle Central’s School of Apparel Design and Development, outfitting participants with professional skills in garment alteration, a high-demand field. 

SEATTTLE, WA (August-2026) — Demand for tailoring services is growing, but the supply of skilled tailors isn’t keeping pace. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people in tailoring roles nationally has fallen 30 percent over the last decade. To help, Nordstrom and Seattle Central College’s School of Apparel Design & Development are partnering to launch a specialized Continuing Education certificate course in professional garment alteration for a retail workroom environment, the Nordstrom Future of Tailoring Program. The course is designed to equip experienced sewers with practical, in-demand skills and offer a direct pathway to potential career opportunities in Nordstrom's tailor shops and beyond. 

Experienced sewers have the opportunity to apply for this intermediate-level course which begins on September 26 and runs on Saturdays through November 21. The course is intended for participants with a working knowledge of garment construction and the ability to independently operate an industrial sewing machine, and will focus on alteration techniques. 

"We’re very excited to be teaming with one of the world’s most revered fashion retailers, and a hometown icon,” says Tanya Knannlein, program coordinator in the School of Apparel Design & Development (AD&D) at Seattle Central College. 

Nordstrom is funding the full cost of tuition for all fifteen students in the inaugural fall 2026 course at Seattle Central College. By removing the financial barrier to enrollment, Nordstrom aims to create greater access to educational and employment opportunities in this skills-based in-demand profession. Applications are due by September 4. 

See the course description, details, and application process, and read the full press release.