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Textile process operatives operate machines to prepare natural and synthetic fibres for processing, spin and twist fibre into yarn, thread, twine, rope and other similar material, and estimate the quantities of colouring matter required for printing and dyeing fabrics.

Main tasks

  • Cleans and oils machine, detects and reports mechanical faults to technicians.
  • Stretches, shrinks, brushes, dampens and presses fabric and shears or burns off protruding fabric fibres as required.
  • Examines colour cards or specifications, estimates quantity of colouring material needed to print or dye fibre and calculates and mixes ingredients accordingly.
  • Checks quality of completed material, marks any flaws and removes badly damaged sections.
  • Detects blockages, tangled thread, defective or broken material, and joins broken ends by hand or mechanical knotting.
  • Replenishes the supply of input fibres, removes and replaces full output packages, cards and spools.
  • Sets controls, starts machinery and monitors the passage of material processed.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£36,957.74

Average earnings

£25,071.83

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 1 NVQ; GCSE at grades D-G

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 12%
Level 1 14%
Level 2 31%
Level 3 24%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 5%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 14%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.