Textile Technologist

Also known as:

Cloth/Textile Technologist

Introduction

Textile technologists are concerned with the science and technology of fibre, yarn and fabric production. They work in production engineering, production management and quality control. Some technologists undertake research and development.

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Work Activities

Textile technologists apply their 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 textile operatives and technicians.

They have a wide variety of roles in the textile industry. They work as production engineers, production managers, computer managers and quality control managers. They may work in research and product development. Some textile technologists apply their technical knowledge in general management, including buying, selling and marketing.

In production engineering and management, textile technologists advise on the selection and maintenance of machinery. They research more efficient methods of production.

Computer managers are responsible for programming computers with patterns and processes that other machines follow.

In quality control, textile technologists carry out laboratory tests on yarn and coloured fabrics. They test to see if materials are colour fast.

In research and product development, textile technologists carry out research to find new ways of using yarns. They develop chemicals that can be added to fabrics to make them more waterproof, flame-resistant, mothproof or shrink-resistant. They experiment with textiles to improve their look, feel, texture and durability.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to understand the properties of raw materials. You should have a good knowledge of scientific subjects, such as chemistry and physics.

An interest and understanding of computer technology is essential. You also need management skills, including the ability to lead others.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for textile technologists vary, depending on the branch of the industry, employer and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Textile technologists earn in the range of £22,500 - £26,500 a year, rising to £33,000 - £39,000. Higher earners can make around £45,000 a year.

Many technologists work a 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Technologists working in a production environment may be required to work shifts and weekends.

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

Firms are located throughout the UK. 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
• lace and narrow fabrics in the East Midlands.

There are about 600 clothing and textile companies within Scotland, mostly in the Borders.

Of the 250 workers in the Harris Tweed industry who are based in the Western Isles, 150 of them work from home on handlooms while the rest are in mills.

Many factories have been relocated abroad in recent years. However, the industry is keen to recruit technologists, so opportunities for new entrants are very good.

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Adult Opportunities

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 and abilities 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 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.

• 5% of people in occupations such as textile technologist work part-time.
• 17% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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