Career outlook for textile technologist
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£39,000
Currently employed in Scotland
3,600
Five year job forecast
+1.72%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
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
60%
Part-time
27%
Self employed
13%
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 needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Cooperating
- Working with technology
- Innovative
- Problem solving
- Researching
- Developing a plan
- Time management
- Negotiating
- Taking responsibility
- Analysing
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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).
Related industries
