This is an entry-level position. The assistant designer works together with the associate designer or designer. They shop the trim market, make appointments, and sometimes accompany the associate designer/designer on fabric appointments. They may also do follow-up work on samples, trims, fabric cuts, and so on for the designer. A strong technical background and good sketching and computer-aided design (CAD) skills are necessary to create presentation boards. In some cases, the assistant will be required to make a first pattern.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.