Textile Operative

Introduction

Textile operatives work in the process of textile manufacture. Many operatives monitor and control machinery used for the different stages of production. Others work in dying and finishing. Operatives usually specialise in a particular job and work in one area of textiles, for example, woollens.

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Work Activities

Textile operatives work in the many processes of textile manufacturing, converting raw materials into the finished product.

Many operatives monitor and control textile machinery. These machines are usually computerised.

The work varies with the company and the type of textiles involved. Most operatives specialise in one job and work in one area of textiles, such as woollens, cotton, carpets or lace.

The first stage of the process is sorting and cleaning raw materials. Operatives monitor machinery that sorts fibres according to length and removes dirt and grease.

With woollen textiles, operatives may work at spinning and twisting machines, which incorporate man-made fibres, or produce yarns of different thicknesses. Cotton and man-made fibres, like acrylic and polyester, are blended and spun to produce yarns for weaving and knitting.

Operatives stop the machines if anything goes wrong. They may have to solve minor problems.

The yarn is turned into fabric by weaving or knitting. Weavers operate a number of high-speed machines. They start and stop machines and look out for errors. When a machine completes a run, they 'tie in ends'. Knitters operate high technology machines to produce a wide range of flat or tubular knitted fabrics.

Operatives also work in dyeing or colouring processes. Dyehouse workers control machinery that colours large quantities of yarn or finished cloth. When designs are printed onto cloth, operatives set up and operate various types of printing machines.

Finishing depends on the type of fabric. For example, carpets may be brushed or sheared and woollen fabrics are checked for flaws and quality. Some fabrics are treated with chemicals, to make them shrink-resistant, flameproof or showerproof.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Most of the work involves controlling machinery, so you must be able to concentrate, while doing work which is often repetitive.

Good hand skills are needed to thread up machines with individual yarns or to correct faults. Good eyesight is useful. For dyeing and colouring work your colour vision may be tested.

Operatives often spend long periods on their feet, and may have to lift and carry heavy packages.

Health and safety is important in all aspects of the work - it is essential that you follow regulations and adopt safe working practices.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Textile operatives earn in the range of £210 - £240 a week, rising to £290 - £360. Higher earners can make around £410 a week.

Textile operatives usually work a 39-hour week and may be required to work shift work and weekends.

Employers are firms producing all types of textiles. Some small and medium firms specialise in particular areas of production, such as spinning or weaving.

Textile firms are located throughout the country. However, sectors tend to be concentrated in certain areas.

For example:
• woollens and worsteds in West Yorkshire and Scotland
• cotton and allied textiles in Lancashire
• carpets in the North Midlands and West Midlands, Northern Ireland and the South West
• knitting, lace and narrow fabrics in the East Midlands.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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.

A background in textiles production work is useful. Practical skills and abilities gained using your hands can also be useful.

• 7% of people in occupations such as textile operative work part-time.
• 8% work on a temporary basis.

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