Textile Dyeing Technician

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

9am to 5pm

How To Become a Textile Dyeing Technician

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
training with a professional body

College / University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in:

chemical engineering
textile technology
chemistry

between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

You could do a college course, which may help you to get a job as a trainee dyeing technician. Courses include:

Level 3 Diploma In Textile Design and Manufacture
A level Chemistry
Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a technical dyer and colourist, or textile technical specialist, higher apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

You could train with the Society of Dyers and Colourists, who offer courses from introductory level to advanced. You'll usually need to be working in textiles production or research to do the more advanced courses.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
observation and recording skills
the ability to work well with others
the ability to operate and control equipment
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of maths
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

developing chemical 'recipes' to produce different colours and dyes
working out the correct temperatures to suit different dyeing methods
testing sample dyes
mixing batches of dye for use in textiles manufacturing
recommending special finishes or treatments
keeping records of the dye development process and its results

Working Environment

You could work in a workshop or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

You could move into research and development, quality control or production management. You might also work in technical sales, acting as a link between dye suppliers and textile manufacturers.

You could transfer to different areas of manufacturing that also use dye technology, like the food and drinks industry.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in textiles technology from the Society of Dyers and Colourists and The Textile Institute.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.