Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Working Life

Textile operatives are involved in the many processes of textile manufacturing, from the raw materials stage to completing the finished product. Many operatives are responsible for monitoring and controlling textile machinery. Often, these machines use the latest electronics and computerisation.  
 
Precise duties depend on the company and the type of textiles and end products involved. The majority of operatives specialise in a particular job and usually remain within one area of textiles, such as woollens, cotton, carpets or lace.  
 
In the first stage of the process, operatives may select, sort and clean raw materials. They usually monitor machinery that sorts fibres according to length and removes dirt and grease. With woollen textiles, operatives can be involved in spinning and twisting to incorporate man-made fibres or to produce yarns of different thicknesses. Cotton and a wide range of man-made fibres, like acrylic and polyester, are blended and spun to produce yarns for weaving and knitting. Operatives monitor machines and stop them if anything goes wrong. They may be required to solve minor problems.  
 
Two main methods of production are weaving and knitting. Weavers operate a number of high-speed machines. They start and stop machines and look out for errors. They also do various jobs when a machine completes a run, for example 'tying in ends'. Knitters are involved in similar work. They operate the latest technology machines to produce a wide range of knitted fabrics.  
 
Operatives can also specialise in dyeing or colouring processes. Dye house workers control machinery that colours large quantities of yarn or finished cloth. With some fabrics, designs are printed onto cloth, so operators set up and operate various types of printing machines.  
 
Finishing jobs depend on the type of fabric. For example, carpets may be brushed or sheared and woollen fabrics are checked for flaws and quality. Chemical treatments may be applied to fabrics, such as woollens or carpets, to make them shrink-resistant, flameproof or shower proof. Textile operatives usually wear protective clothing such as overalls, safety footwear, gloves and masks.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
• Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
• Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
• Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
• Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
• Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
• Set up, or set up and operate textile machines that perform textile processing and manufacturing operations such as winding, twisting, knitting, weaving, bonding, or stretching.
• Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
• Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
• Record information about work completed and machine settings.

Further Information

• Analytical Textile Technologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Leather Craftworker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Leather Technologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Pattern Cutter- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Pattern Grader- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Technical Textiles Designer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Textile Operative- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Textile Technologist- 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.

This is an entry level occupation with background skills in fabric work, sewing, and production processes beneficial to developing in this job. Skills can be developed for manufacturing based processes or for Craft based design and textile creation. 

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: engineering technology, precision engineering, CNC, computerized design, manufacturing, 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: creative textile, fashion design, textile.

Search for PLC Courses

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: design, fashion, textiles, costume, contemporary, applied art, ceramics, glass, surface design, jewellery, objects.

Search for CAO Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Design & Craft Council of Ireland

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €52k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicolas

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Glass and ceramics process operatives; Textile process operatives; Rubber process operatives; Plastics process operatives; Metal making and treating process operatives; Electroplaters Process operatives n.e.c.; Industrial cleaning process occupations; Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers; Elementary process plant occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although employment numbers grew between 2021 and 2022, they remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. A higher-than-average share (39%) employed in these roles were non-Irish citizens.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for general and production operatives, while vacancies for general and packaging operatives were identified as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. The perceived attractiveness of the job (e.g. shift work) may be a contributing factor in terms of recruitment issues for this occupation.

• British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA)

  • Mount Pleasant, Glazebrook Lane, Glazebrook, Warrington WA3 5BN, UK
  • +44 (0)161 775 5740
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Oil and Colour Chemistry Association (OCCA)

  • 4th Floor, Clayton House, 59 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AQ
  • +44 (0) 161 933 7280
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

  • Castle Yard, Kilkenny
  • (056) 77 61804
  • Click Here