Textile Production CareersTextile production is the process of weaving, knitting, and cutting, dyeing and finishing a variety of fabrics.
Machine Operator:
Duties: Machine operators set up each machine used to produce textiles and monitor the operation of the machine. They also determine if the machines need repair or maintenance in the form of cleaning, oiling, repair or replacement of worn parts. If the machine suffers a breakdown, machine operators should be able to diagnose the problem and conduct a repair as quickly as possible to save both time and money. These operators can also install, level, and align components of the machines such as gears, chains, dies, cutters and needles. They also thread yarns, thread or fabric through guides, needles or rollers. They also adjust the controls for proper tension, speed, and heat. For electronically controlled equipment, they program controls or using a computer enter instructions. Once the machines are started, the operators monitor the operation of the machines by observation of the control panel and monitoring of machine gauges to detect signs of trouble.
Quality Control Inspector:
Duties: The inspector uses precision measuring instruments and complex testing equipment to detect product defects, wear and tear or deviations from the required specifications.
Textile Converter and Textile Conversion Manager:
Duties: The textile converter is a business that buys unfinished textiles and has them finished by another business, selling the finished product. The textile conversion manager coordinates the process that turns the unfinished, uncolored textiles into the finished fabrics that may be sold to apparel manufacturers, fabric retailers or other companies that use textiles in their products.
Qualifications: Those seeking jobs in these professions should have the ability to weave, knit and produce non-woven fabrics, along with knowledge of dye methods. These production workers should also know how to identify the properties of different textiles. In addition, they should have marketing and business skills related to the textile industry, and good communication skills are a must.
Education: This career category requires at the minimum an Associate Degree in textile production.
Although according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment in the textile production area is declining due to the use of machines that can do the job of these workers, there are still some positions available for qualified workers.
For more information on textile conversion management as a career click on the Career Exploration Center link here For more information on textile production click here on Education Portal.com
For information about other sewing related occupations, click the links below.
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