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Textile Technician: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Textile Technician?

As a Textile Technician, your job will be to operate and maintain different types of machinery involved in producing textiles. This could include anything from knitting and weaving machines to computerised equipment, creating a wide range of products such as clothes, carpets or other fabric-based items.

How do I become a Textile Technician?

As a Textile Technician, your job will be to operate and maintain different types of machinery involved in producing textiles. This could include anything from knitting and weaving machines to computerised equipment, creating a wide range of products such as clothes, carpets or other fabric-based items.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Textile Technician?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Textile Technician

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Proficiency in textile production techniques and processes
  • Knowledge of various textile materials and their properties
  • Strong attention to detail and precision in handling textiles
  • Ability to operate and maintain textile machinery and equipment
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in textile production
  • Effective communication and collaboration with team members and clients
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations in textile production
  • Creativity and artistic flair in designing and creating textile products
  • Time management and organizational skills to meet production deadlines
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work with different textile materials and techniques

Qualifications & Education

  • Possession of GCSEs/S grades or an appropriate BTEC/SQA award
  • On-the-job training provided
  • NVQs/SVQs available in Manufacturing Textiles at Levels 1, 2, and 3
  • NVQs/SVQs available in Products from Textiles at Levels 1 and 2

Career Path

Textile Technician
Textile Technologist
Fabric Designer
Fashion Designer
Fashion Buyer
Merchandiser
Retail Manager
Visual Merchandiser
Brand Manager
Marketing Manager
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Assurance Manager
Production Manager
Operations Manager
Research and Development Scientist/Engineer
Product Development Manager
Innovation Director
Technical Sales Representative/Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a textile technician?

To become a textile technician in the UK, you will typically need a degree or HND in a clothing/fashion technology or related subject. Alternatively, you can pursue a degree or HND in textile technology or textile science if you want to specialize in textiles specifically. Some qualifications may offer a combination of different specialisms.

What is a textile technician?

A textile technician is responsible for maintaining and operating the machines and equipment used in textile factories to ensure smooth production and the safety of workers.

What is the role of a textile technician?

The role of a textile technician is to work with various materials such as textiles, leather, fur, plastics, and metals. They are responsible for developing fabrics for different purposes, including furnishings, clothing, household items, medical supplies, and textiles for the automotive industry.

What qualifications do you need to be a garment technologist?

To be a garment technologist in the UK, you typically need a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a degree in a relevant subject. The Fashion Retail Academy offers a specialized Level 4 Garment Technology diploma that can be a great starting point for your career.

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