Technical dyer and colourists create highly specialist dyes and colours for textiles, which are used in a dizzying array of end uses.

They are responsible for the exact scientific analysis, accurate measurements, trials, production and quality of dyed, pigmented and colour applications to clothing in a heavily industrialised/mechanised environment.

DP Dyers

Typical job roles for this apprenticeship includes colour scientist, dye-house technician, colour chemist, senior dye-house supervisor, laboratory technician, laboratory manager, manufacturing manager and dye technologist.

They work in a senior role and lead a team of dyehouse operative, reporting to senior management and directors and have overall scrutiny and responsibility for the accuracy of manufactured products within the dyeing and colouration environment.

W.T.Johnson

In their daily work, they interact with a wide variety of individuals from the most senior technologists, leaders and directors, to shop floor operatives. Technical dyers and colourists work in a factory environment, interchanging between manufacturing facilities and laboratories. Almost all their work is indoors and within a controlled environment where they deal with customers by telephone or email over technical data/job sheets.

Technical Dyers and colourists are employed across micro businesses, SMEs and large businesses, ranging from small dyehouse businesses to large chemical, clothing and retail brand businesses.

W.T.Johnson

The technical dyer and colourist 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 three 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 technical dyer and colourist 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