Two technicians at Pennine Weavers recently completed in-depth training to replace Dornier loom gearboxes, with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

Pennine Weavers is one of the UK’s premier fabric weavers, focussing primarily on high end apparel fabrics. The company has 24 Dornier looms weaving 18-20,000 metres of fabric per week.

Gearbox failures on the company’s Dornier looms are extremely rare. This occurrence was the first the firm had seen in excess of 20 years. The work to remove the failed gearbox and replace with a new unit is highly skilled and complex, and involves a Dornier trained technician working alongside the Pennine Weavers team, on-site, to carry out the work.

This training opportunity was a unique chance for younger technicians to work with the Dornier fitter in a close up, hands on basis.

Lewis Watkins, the 31-year-old Technician led the team alongside 29-year-old Danny King.

The work lasted over four days and provided a great experience and learning experience for both technicians.

Lewis said: “This was a great experience to work on parts of the loom we rarely get involved in. It was hard work and demanding but thoroughly worthwhile, giving me learnings I will take forward throughout the rest on my career”

Pennine MD Gary Eastwood said: “We are grateful for the support of UKFT and Textile Technician Training Fund to allow us access to funding that meant Lewis and Danny could benefit from such a unique learning experience. I am sure the training undertaken will benefit both technicians and the UK industry as their careers develop.”

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 35. To find out more, email katie.robinson@ukft.org

UKFT’S YOUNG TEXTILE TECHNICIAN FUND