Textile operative

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which may help you when you start looking for work. Courses include:

• Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate in Textiles
• Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a textile manufacturing operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for work. There are no particular requirements although experience in textile manufacturing or sewing machinist work will be helpful.

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
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• observation and recording skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• persistence and determination
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with others
• thinking and reasoning skills
• 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:

Textile operatives spin natural and synthetic material into yarns and fabrics for use in clothing, furnishings and industrial products.

In this job, you will:

• set up machinery and programme instructions
• operate machine looms that knit, weave and loop threads together
• prepare fibres and make sure they are combed, cleaned and twisted into yarns
• spin fibres and wind them onto bobbins or cones
• monitor production and report any problems
• do quality checks
• treat fabrics to make them stain or crease resistant
• make sure machines are ready for handover to the next shift
• keep production areas clean

Location : You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.

Salary:

Starter : £16,500
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on shifts

Career Path:

You could move into a machine maintenance job or quality control after further training. With experience, you might get promotion to become a production supervisor then shift manager.