Textiles Producer
Job Description:Textiles producers design, develop and produce fibres, yarns and fabrics.
Job Category:What you will do:
Textile producers work with a wide range of textiles, from industrial materials to fashion and interior design fabrics.
Your day-to-day duties will depend on your specialism.
If you decide to specialise in dyeing, your responsibilities might include:
- creating a chemical ‘recipe’ for the right colour
- testing a sample dye
- producing a final formula to use in manufacturing
- mixing batches of dye
- working out the right dyeing method and temperature
- recommending special finishes
- keeping records
If you decide to specialise in spinning/weaving, your responsibilities might include:
- setting up equipment controls
- loading machines or spinning frames with textile bobbins
- monitoring machinery during production
- checking product quality
- replacing or repairing broken threads
- carrying out basic maintenance
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- observation and recording skills (organisational skills)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to work well with your hands
Entry Requirements:
To become a Textiles Producer, you should focus on subjects that provide a strong foundation in textiles, as well as essential skills for working in the textile industry. Here are the subjects and areas of focus that can be beneficial for pursuing a career as a Textiles Producer:
- Design and Technology: This subject is specifically tailored to textiles and can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of fabric types, production processes, and practical skills related to textiles and fashion design.
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are essential for measurements, calculations, and ensuring precision in various textile production tasks. You may also need to manage budgets and resources.
- Science: A foundational knowledge of science can be valuable for understanding the physical and chemical properties of textiles, quality control processes, and safety considerations in the textile industry.
- Business Studies or Economics: A fundamental understanding of business and economics can be helpful for managing resources, production costs, and other business-related aspects of textiles production.
- English: Effective communication skills are essential for documenting processes, conveying information within a team, and presenting ideas and proposals effectively.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software and technology is valuable, especially for tasks related to design software, quality control, production monitoring, and data management.
Post School
You’ll usually need a Higher National Diploma (in the UK), foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:
- textiles production
- production or manufacturing engineering
- fashion and textile management
- fashion and clothing technology
You could move into production management after working as a production assistant or production technician.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week, often on shifts.
You’ll be based in a textiles workshop or factory. The machinery will be noisy but your employer will give you safety equipment like ear protectors.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience and training, you could move into:
- machine maintenance
- quality control
- senior supply chain jobs, business development or marketing
- a Textile production manager role, where you’ll work with design and sales teams, visit factories, manage orders from customers, attend conferences to build contacts, deal with suppliers, and check quality standards
To become a Textile production manager, you’ll usually need a Higher National Diploma (in the UK), foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:
- textiles production
- production or manufacturing engineering
- fashion and textile management
- fashion and clothing technology
You could also find jobs with companies that make technical textiles like carbon fibre and aerospace materials.
You could set up your own textiles production company.