Mark Soutar, a trainee dyer at Halley Stevensons, has undertaken in-depth training as part of the firm’s major capital investment project to support capacity and range expansion, with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

Mark, aged 28, recently completed training with Datacolour International to improve his understanding and use of the company’s spectrophotometer, which allows Halley Stevenson to collate and interpret colour data.

Mark has been working as a dyehouse trainee for the past two years and the training allowed him to gain a better understanding of how the software matches the colours to what the firm is trying to achieve.

“There is something really satisfying matching a colour and getting it right,” said Mark. “I’ve been with Halley Stevensons for ten years and this training has really helped me in my current role already.”

Kay Laing, Finance Director at Halley Stevensons, said: “Mark’s training is beneficial to the business for future planning and is part of a wider programme of investment across the company.”

“The investment includes new jigs, which not only enhance our production capabilities in terms of capacity, but also, allow us to dye and manufacture a wider range of metres across different weights of fabrics.

“The new stenter, is a major upgrade on our current model. It has features that will allow us to introduce new products to new and existing customers and it will mean an increase in efficiencies (quicker running speeds and less energy required).”

The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers.

The Young Textile Technician Fund is now open to businesses applying to train textile technicians under the age of 30. To find out more, email paula.mcilwraith@ukft.org

UKFT’S YOUNG TEXTILE TECHNICIAN FUND