Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would develop and produce fibres, yarns and fabrics which can be used in clothing and other products. You could work in a range of areas, such as research and development, engineering, production, or quality control.
You would:
- Develop new fibres to match trends
- Work closely with designers and customers
- Find ways to improve fabric quality
- Develop and test new chemical processes
- Create new colours for dyeing and printing
- Research better production methods
- Programme computerised textile machinery
- Visit suppliers
- Manage production
- Carry out quality checks
This is a job that requires practical skills as well as good knowledge of physics and chemistry. You would also need to understand different types of textiles and their properties, and know how the manufacturing process works.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Working as part of a team
- Persuading people
- Taking the lead
- Conducting experiments
- Using computers
- Finding solutions to problems
- Researching and investigating
- Coming up with new ideas
- Planning and organising
- Time management
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
A relevant degree (SCQF level 9/10) in subjects such as textiles, fashion, materials science or engineering, manufacturing, and experience in the textile industry.
There are few specialist degrees in this field and the University of Manchester offers most of these degrees.
To enter a textiles or fashion National Certificate, National Qualifications or BTEC course (SCQF levels 2-6) you will need at least three National 4/5 qualifications.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) you will need National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or a relevant NC/NQ/BTEC.
To enter a degree (SCQF Level 9/10) you will require National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three highers or a relevant HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) you will require a relevant degree.
Useful subjects
- English (required by most courses)
- Art & design(required by most courses)
- Fashion and textile technologies (required by most courses)
- Design and manufacture
- Maths
- Business management
- Science subjects
You will also need
You will require a portfolio for most courses.
Helpful to have
Once in a job you can take further professional qualifications through the Textile Institute (TI).
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