Textile technician

Textile technicians set up, adjust and maintain the machinery used in textile production. They take action when faults occur in the manufacturing process. Some technicians specialise in quality control.

Also known as:

Cloth technician

Work activities

Textile technicians are responsible for the smooth running of production in a textile company. They make sure machinery is running efficiently and may write reports on their performance. Technicians also install the machinery, and carry out repair and maintenance work when necessary. There are computerised systems that help with the diagnosis of technical problems. For example, a system might be set up to alert the technician about any problems before symptoms have developed. As part of the repair process, technicians strip the machine, replace damaged parts and then test it.

Some textile technicians specialise in quality control. When faults in quality occur in yarn, fibre or fabric, they carry out tests. Much of this work is done in a laboratory. Duties may include:

Checking the evenness and breaking strength of yarn.
Testing the abrasion resistance, crease recovery and tear strength of fabric.
Finding out whether the dyed material is colour fast.

Technicians keep up-to-date records covering all aspects of their work. Some technicians supervise a team of textile operatives.

Personal qualities and skills

To do well in this job, you will need:

Good problem-solving skills.
Technical knowledge of machines and fibres.
Good hand skills to use tools and equipment.
Expertise in electronics as well as mechanics and electrics.
Number skills.
Good eyesight and a sense of colour.
People skills as you may be in charge of textile operatives.

If you have skin allergies or sometimes have a problem with your breathing, you may be affected by the chemicals that you come into contact with.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for textile technicians vary with employer and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Textile technicians earn in the range of £20,000, rising to £35,000 with experience.

Technicians usually work a 38-40-hour week, and may be required to work shifts and weekends.

Demand for textile technicians is growing. The industry is desperately short of technicians so opportunities for new entrants are very good.

Employers are firms producing all types of textiles. Some small and medium firms specialise in particular areas of production, such as spinning or weaving. Opportunities for textile workers occur with textile firms in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

To enter this career, you’ll usually need some GCSEs or equivalent. Subjects like design and technology (textiles technology), chemistry, and art and design would be useful. some entrants have a levels, or equivalent qualifications. It is usually possible to enter the textile industry as a senior technician by taking a relevant foundation degree, HNC or HND.

Textile technicians are usually trained on-the-job by senior technicians, while studying part-time for qualifications. Typical qualifications include Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications in art and design (textiles) and City and Guilds courses in manufacturing textiles. Courses vary, but subjects usually include methods of production for cloth and yarn, yarn identification, quality control, colour forecasting and the application of computers. Some people work towards the Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National Certificate in textiles.

The Textile Institute offers several professional qualifications.

Progression will usually be to senior positions in a team. Some technicians continue with their training and become textile technologists.

Qualifications

For entry to an Edexcel (BTEC) Level 4 National Diploma in art and design (textiles), the minimum requirement is usually:

Four GCSEs at grades 9-4
GCSEs in maths, English and a science subject are preferred.

For entry to City and Guilds courses, you’ll usually need:

For level 2 - GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 3 and below, or a level 1 qualification.
For level 3 - GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9-4, or a level 2 qualification.

To do a relevant foundation degree, HNC or HND, you will usually need:

One A-level.
A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Other qualifications are often acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Technical skills gained in a related industry, such as chemicals, are useful. A keen interest in science is also useful. A background in clothing and textiles, e.g., as an operative or craftworker, is also relevant.

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