The new textile technical specialist apprenticeship is a technical role within textile and fashion advanced manufacturing companies, offering lots of opportunity for progression.

Textile technical specialists will use specialist textile machinery and equipment to weave or finish textiles, used in a diverse range of end uses.

A textile technical specialist is highly skilled and can utilise, operate and maintain all equipment within either the weaving or finishing department.

They work in a sophisticated production environment using computer systems to plan and programme production machinery, interchanging between manufacturing facilities and laboratories.

Typical job titles for the role include weaving overlooker, weaving technician or technical weaver, through to textile technician, textile technologist and finishing technician.

The textile technician specialist is responsible for the exact machinery programming, scientific analysis, accurate measurements, trials, whole production and efficiency as well as quality of fabric production for either the textile weaving or finishing applications. The role is heavily mechanised with the use of bespoke computer systems. It directly involves the production/output of fabrics to meet a high value market.

The textile technical specialist apprenticeship is set at a Level 4, equivalent to a certificate of higher education (CertHE), higher apprenticeship or higher national certificate (HNC). It will typically take two years to complete and the maximum funding for this role available to employers is £9,000.

Are you a potential applicant who wants to find out more? Contact skillsandtraining@ukft.org

Are you an employer who wants to recruit a textile technical specialist apprentice, or a training provider who wants to deliver fashion and textile apprenticeships? Contact skillsandtraining@ukft.org

Find out more here.

CAREER PATHS

UKFT is the Sector Skills Body for fashion and textiles in the UK and has developed a new suite of apprenticeships covering the most in-demand job roles.

For the first time in England, there is now a full progression route available for fashion and textiles.

For Textiles

Study Design and Technology at GCSE or complete a UKFT Approved: Qualification at L1 Award in Fashion and Textiles (Sewing and Textiles)  or L1 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles)

Level 2 textile manufacturing operative

level 4 textile technical specialist or level 4 technical dyer and colourist