Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Working Life

Textile technicians are responsible for setting up, adjusting, timing and maintaining machinery used in textile production. They are normally responsible for the efficient running of a number of machines and may make reports on their performance. When faults in quality occur in yarn, fibre or fabric, the textile technician may carry out appropriate tests.  
 
Textile technicians carry out routine cleaning, oiling and process supervision to ensure that there are no breakdowns or delays in production and to ensure the safety of workers.

Some textile technicians specialise in quality control. Much of this work involves carrying out laboratory based tests.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
• Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
• Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
• Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
• Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
• Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.
• Stop machines when specified amount of products has been produced.
• Inspect products to verify that they meet specifications and to determine whether machine adjustment is needed.
• Tend machines that twist together two or more strands of yarn or insert additional twists into single strands of yarn to increase strength, smoothness, or uniformity of yarn.
• Observe operations to detect defects, malfunctions, or supply shortages.

Further Information

• Textile Machinery Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

There are various pathways into manufacturing & production technician roles.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing technician skills, engineering, quality management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: general engineering, engineering technology.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, mechanical, manufacturing engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €55k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor / Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Excel/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Paper and wood machine operatives, Coal mine operatives, Quarry workers and related operatives, Energy plant operatives, Metal working machine operatives, Water and sewerage plant operatives, Printing machine assistants, Plant and machine operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

The employment growth rate was on a par with the national average, although employment levels declined marginally in 2023. There was a relatively high volume of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP), mostly for paper and wood machine operatives, although the number of adverts has fallen since 2022.

Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, there is no current evidence that issues exist with sourcing personnel for these roles

• Society of Dyers and Colourists

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