Fashion models show off the clothes, shoes, jewellery or other items that fashion designers or retailers want to sell or display to potential customers or fashion journalists. This may involve 'live' work at fashion shows, in large shops or 'photographic' modelling, working in studios or on 'location'- wherever the filming/photography is taking place.

Models always have to look their best and spend time preparing themselves. Appearance is important - hair has to be kept clean, well cut and groomed, and the figure kept trim. The work is physically demanding and tiring. They take regular exercise to keep fit. During shows they often have to move to music perhaps doing simple dance routines and must be energetic and agile.

Models need a good complexion (smooth clear skin, especially on the face) and spend time using beauty products and make up to achieve this. Maintaining a wardrobe of fashionable clothes is necessary. Fashion models have to look attractive and keep abreast of new trends in clothing, hairstyles and make-up for when they seek work. Freelance models (self-employed) spend a lot of time finding work. They attend auditions (interviews) or visit fashion editors and designers.

When working at fashion shows, models rehearse the schedule of clothes to be displayed. They have a number of outfits to wear during the show and must know the order and timing for going on stage. It is necessary to change quickly and so it is often hectic back stage.

If a model is doing photographic work, their movement and facial expression must follow the photographer's directions. This involves holding a particular pose for a long period of time. Movements, whether sitting or standing, have to look natural and models have to maintain this appearance during the session. There are often periods of waiting around while lights and cameras are set up.

'House' models - those who work for wholesale or retail fashion houses, do other duties when not modelling. Models are expected to greet clients, answer telephones and help visitors. They allow people to view the clothes and answer any questions about colour, sizes and fabrics.

Another role is to work closely with designers such as standing still while the designer drapes and pins the fabric and alters the garment. If a designer has taken a stand at an exhibition, a model may have to stand and walk most of the day.

Models have to be prepared to travel to different studios or other locations and this may include overseas travel. Some models take work doing promotional, non-fashion jobs in studios or on location doing product launches, or work at motor shows.

Work is mainly indoors in showrooms, studios, stores, hotels or exhibition centres. Sometimes the dressing rooms are hot, overcrowded and cramped. Working on 'location' may involve working outdoors in all weathers. The hours may be long and sometimes unsociable such as working evenings and weekends. Long periods are spent on the feet either walking or standing.

Fashion models have to be:

• well groomed at all times
  
• physically attractive, fit and active with good physical coordination
  
• be tall (for catwalk modelling) - 1.72m (5ft. 8") for females and 1.83m (6ft. 0") for males
• of slim build, well proportioned and able to remain slim
  
• interested in fashion, make-up, hairstyling, dance and drama
  
• patient, punctual and prepared to do the same jobs over and over again
  
• prepared to travel and sometimes to stay away from home
  
• prepared to work long and possibly unsociable hours
  
• determined - there will be periods of unemployment and irregular work
  
• pleasant in their manner and able to get on well with other people
  
• self-confident and able to accept criticism and rejection
  
• able to keep smiling and look interested however bored
• photographic models need good facial bone structure and have to be photogenic

Most models begin modelling in their teens - females often before they reach 16 and males between the ages of 17-25. Starting later than this is unusual and difficult. Modelling careers are short. Although live modelling continues beyond the age of 30, photographic models usually finish their careers before they reach 30.

There is no set route into modelling and completing a training course does not guarantee success. Appearance and personality are important. The London College of Fashion offers the only non-commercial modelling course i.e. Certificate in Modelling and Grooming. It lasts one year and is full-time. Three GCSEs (A-C/1-3) grades are needed for entry. There are height and size requirements for females and a height requirement for males. Entry is by audition and is very competitive.

A number of commercial schools also offer courses but these vary in length and tend to be expensive. There are no educational entry requirements for these courses. Schools that are reputable only accept those with a chance of succeeding.

Anyone wanting to become a model should have at least two photographs, one of face and another full length, to forward to modelling agencies (with a prepaid envelope for return). Most models enter modelling when they are accepted onto the books of a reputable modelling agency although finding work may still be hard. Agencies charge models a percentage of their fees for finding them the work

For further information please contact your local careers service.