Knitting machinist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You may be able to start by doing a course like:

• Level 1 Award in Fashion and Textiles
• Level 2 Certificate In Fashion

You'll need to check that knitting is included in the course content. Some colleges and adult learning centres offer machine knitting and hand knitting craft courses for learners who have a general interest or knit as a hobby.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to gain some of the skills needed in this role through a sewing machinist intermediate apprenticeship.

You could get into higher level roles where you would have responsibility for setting up and programming machines, through a knitted product manufacturing technician advanced apprenticeship.

These typically take between 12 and 24 months to complete. You'll do a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got experience in creative crafts, sewing or textiles. Training is given on the job in many cases.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• observation and recording skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• physical fitness and endurance
• administration skills

What you'll do:

Knitting machinists produce products including clothing, soft furnishings and medical textiles on knitting machines.

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• read and interpret knitting instructions
• select and use the right yarns
• set up a knitting machine and keep your workstation tidy
• adjust machines and change needles
• sort materials to be reused, recycled or thrown away
• check quality and prepare items for the next stage of the production process

Location : You could work in a workshop, in a factory or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience you could become a production supervisor, move into quality control or set up your own small business.

You could become a knitwear designer for a textiles company by completing a higher education qualification in fashion or textiles.