Textile technologist

Textile technologists use their scientific knowledge to improve the making of textiles. They work in production engineering, production management, research and development, and quality control.

Also known as:

Cloth technologist

Work activities

Textile technologists apply scientific and technical knowledge of production processes, to solve problems related to the manufacture of fibre, yarn and fabric. They usually supervise a team of operatives and textile technicians. There are a wide variety of roles for textile technologists within the textile industry. They are employed as production engineers, production managers, computer managers and quality control managers. They might also work in research and product development.

Some textile technologists apply their technical knowledge indirectly in general management functions such as buying, selling and marketing. This involves working closely with suppliers and clients. In production engineering and management, textile technologists use their knowledge to advise on the selection and maintenance of machinery. They also carry out research to discover more efficient methods of production. In quality control, textile technologists usually carry out laboratory-based tests on yarn and coloured fabrics. For example, they test to see whether materials are colour-fast. In research and product development, textile technologists undertake research to find new ways of using yarns. They develop chemicals that may be added to fabrics to make them more waterproof, flame-resistant, mothproof or shrink-resistant. They liaise with designers, so that changes can be made to suit the production process. They also experiment with textiles to improve their look, feel, texture and durability. This may involve experiments with the dyeing process and testing new recipes for colours.

Personal qualities and skills

For this job, you will need to:

Have a good knowledge of scientific subjects, such as chemistry and physics.
Know about the properties of raw materials used in this industry.
Have good IT skills.
Be a well-organised person.
Have problem-solving skills.
Be a good communicator and have the confidence to make decisions.

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

Pay rates for textile technologists vary depending on the branch of the industry, employer and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Textile technologists earn around £22,000 per year, rising to £40,000 with experience and for more senior positions.

Many technologists work a 33-40-hour week, Monday to Friday. Technologists working in a production environment may be required to work shifts and weekends.

Demand for textile technologists is growing. The industry is keen to recruit technologists 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, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

A level 4 (higher) apprenticeship as a textile technical specialist is a great place to start. It can also be useful to have a degree. A few colleges and universities offer courses in Textile Technology at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Degrees in chemistry and related subjects are also useful to enter this career.

Graduates usually enter the textile industry as trainees or junior managers. If you hold an HND, foundation degree or HNC, you are likely to start as a senior textile technician and act as a link between textile technologists and junior technicians. However, with experience, you may have the opportunity to gain promotion to a technologist position.

Training will usually be on-the-job where you will be supervised by an experienced technologist. Postgraduate courses relating to textile technology are also available at various universities throughout the UK.

Progression will often be to positions with greater responsibility and more supervisory duties.

Qualifications

You will usually need two A-levels and GCSEs in English and maths to take a higher apprenticeship.

A few colleges and universities offer courses in textile technology at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Other qualifications are acceptable as alternatives to A-levels, for example:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications in a science-based subject.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma

For entry to other relevant degrees, the usual minimum requirements are:

Two A-levels, science subjects are useful.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

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.

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

One A-level, science subjects preferred.
A GCSE at grades 9-4 in you’re a-level subject.
A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English, maths and a science subject.

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.

Practical skills gained in industrial work are often valued by employers. Working as a textiles technician can lead to entry into technologist-level posts.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

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