Textile Machinery Technician
What is the work like?
As a textile machinery technician, you would set up, service and repair mechanical and computer-controlled machinery used in textiles manufacturing. Your key duties would include:
- preparing and setting up equipment for operatives, either manually or by programming settings
- responding to sudden breakdowns during a production run
- diagnosing problems quickly and fixing faults on site (where possible)
- reassembling and testing machinery to make sure it is safe to go back into production
- carrying out planned maintenance, for example checking circuitry
- cleaning, oiling and greasing machinery
- recording work in detail and informing shift managers of progress.
You could work on the machines used at every stage of the production process, from fibre preparation, spinning, fabric construction through to dyeing and finishing.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To start as a technician apprentice (with a textiles or clothing manufacturer), you are likely to need four GCSEs (A-C) in subjects such as maths, English, science, engineering, design and technology. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
An alternative way to prepare for this work would be to take a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in a subject such as:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Operations & Maintenance Engineering.
You could also take a City & Guilds in, for example:
- Electrotechnical Technology at levels 2 and 3
- Engineering Level 3.
Check with course providers for further details and entry requirements.
You can get more information on careers in the textiles industry on the Skillfast-UK website.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working in the industry, you could take NVQs in Manufacturing Textiles levels 1 to 3, which has options in:
- service textile machinery and equipment
- setting up production machinery
- monitoring equipment performance.
You could also take other work-based NVQ qualifications, such as:
- Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering levels 2 and 3
- Engineering Maintenance and Installation (Mechanical) Level 2
- Engineering Maintenance (Mechanical) Level 3.
You could go on to work towards higher-level qualifications, such as the BTEC HNC/HND in Fashion and Textiles, which covers production operations, management and research.
If you complete a Level 3 NVQ, you could apply for registration as an engineering technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £18,000 and £21,000 a year.
- Experienced textile machinery technicians can earn around £25,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work between 37 and 40 hours a week, typically on a 24-hour shift pattern. Your work area would be light and spacious and you would wear safety clothing and footwear on the factory floor.
You may need to travel to equipment suppliers in other parts of the country to attend workshops on new machinery.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of technical knowledge and strong practical skills
- good problem-solving skills
- the ability to work alone and as part of a team
- the ability to follow set procedures
- computer skills
- good communication skills
- a sound knowledge of health and safety regulations.
What opportunities are there?
You could work within clothing and textiles manufacturing centres around the country. You would find the greatest concentration of jobs in regions such as the East Midlands, north-west, Yorkshire, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
With experience, you could specialise in areas such as quality control or research and development, or move into a supervisory or management post.
You will find jobs advertised in the local and national press, in jobcentres and on industry websites, such as SCENTA.
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