Will Pullen, aged 24 a qualified Tuner and mill operative at C&J Antich & Sons, undertook a technician’s training course on the new Staubli Knotting Machine which is part of the weaving preparation process with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

Will (pictured above) a 2nd generation Tuner found the introduction of new training and equipment paramount for the progress of the industry.

“While I’m proud to have followed my dad into the industry and be taught the meticulous methods and skills by his mentor; it’s vital to modernise processes and access the training to push the industry forward.”

David Antich, Managing Director at Antich & Sons, explained: “We are extremely honoured of our rich history within the textile industry, however, the perception can be sometimes dated. We are now more than ever an engineering company that specialises in textiles. There are a plethora of new techniques, skills, and stable career paths with longevity within the industry.”

A recent project by Antich & Sons is its manufacturing capability to produce finished 3D multilayer woven preforms for advanced composites used in aerospace and automotive as a result of a pioneering project with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). 3D weaving of carbon fibre is a cost-effective method for producing high-quality, large-scale and high-thickness laminates for use with liquid resin injection processes to make lightweight composite materials.

David continued: “We are proud to have a young hungry employee such as Will on our staff. Having access to the ‘Young Textile Technician Fund’ ensures we have quality skilled professionals to drive the UK textile industry forward.”

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

Want to learn more about the Young Textile Technician Fund? Click on the link below:

Young Textile Technician Fund