By Jessica Davidson Fashion 105 – Fall 2010 Textile Technologist

Duties  Advising on the selection and maintenance of machinery;  Researching more efficient production methods;  Programming patterns into computers for textile production machines;  Conducting quality checks on the robustness of fabrics for particular uses;  Sourcing and selecting yarns and materials from external suppliers;  Liaising with suppliers to get the right fabric at the right price;  Testing yarns and colored fabrics to see if materials are color fast (non-fading).

Education  Degree or HND in a relevant area. Useful subjects include applied, physical, mathematical or textile science, textile management and manufacturing engineering;  Work experience in a relevant environment such as a production facility may help;  Masters degrees are available in textile science, color science, clothing manufacture and textile management;  Without a degree, it may be possible for technicians to work their way up to a technologist post. Some companies may sponsor a promising candidate through a degree or masters program.

Abilities  Knowledgeable about production processes and the properties of raw materials, related chemicals and coatings;  Confident working with computers and new technologies;  Knowledgeable of chemicals to improve properties such as waterproofing, crease-proofing, flame resistance and shrink resistance;  Able to develop innovative new processes and materials;  Confident experimenting with dyeing or printing processes;  Capable of developing fabrics with a particular appearance and texture.

Personal Qualities  excellent leaders and negotiators;  good problem solvers;  strong communicators;  creative and resourceful;  responsible and able to prioritize;  organized and decisive;  self-motivated;  aware of health and safety regulations;  physically fit, with normal color vision.

Salary  United Kingdom Trainee Level: £20,000 a year; Some Experience: £25,000, potentially reaching between £35,000 and £40,000 a year. With management duties, up to £45,000.  United States Averages around $60,000 a year.

Locations  New York, Los Angeles, Texas, Ohio and North Carolina.  Every big center for production: United Kingdom; Italy; Turkey; India; China.

Availability  40 hours a week, Monday to Friday;  Longer hours to meet deadlines or liaise with overseas suppliers;  Working alongside operatives on the factory floor;  Based in a laboratory, factory or office;  Travel is common to meet suppliers and manufacturers in different locations;  Visit trade fairs and exhibitions;

References