Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   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.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

As a textile dyeing technician you would create dyes to colour fibres, yarns and fabrics. Your job would be to mix the chemical 'recipe' for dyeing both natural and synthetic textiles. Your work would involve:

• deciding which chemical dye formula would create the right colour
• working out the right dyeing method and temperature for the fabric
• making up a sample dye and checking to make sure it produces the right results
• producing a final formula for use in the manufacturing process
• recommending any special finishes or treatments to be applied after the dying process.

You would keep a record of the dye's chemical mix so that you could use it again to get the same results. You would also use these records to check the process if a problem occurs after a fabric has left the factory. The work can be highly technical, and you are likely to use computer-controlled instruments to mix dyes.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Add dyes, water, detergents, or chemicals to tanks to dilute or strengthen solutions, according to established formulas and solution test results.
• Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
• Adjust equipment controls to maintain specified heat, tension, and speed.
• Observe display screens, control panels, equipment, and cloth entering or exiting processes to determine if equipment is operating correctly.
• Prepare dyeing machines for production runs, and conduct test runs of machines to ensure their proper operation.
• Monitor factors such as temperatures and dye flow rates to ensure that they are within specified ranges.
• Start and control machines and equipment to wash, bleach, dye, or otherwise process and finish fabric, yarn, thread, or other textile goods.
• Examine and feel products to identify defects and variations from coloring and other processing standards.
• Record production information such as fabric yardage processed, temperature readings, fabric tensions, and machine speeds.
• Test solutions used to process textile goods to detect variations from standards.

Further Information

• Garment Technologist- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Textile Dyeing 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.

Training is mainly on-the-job, carried out by experienced staff. You may progress to technician level and more senior positions if you have the necessary ability and are willing to study. Employers may explore courses in manufacturing textiles in Northern Ireland or the UK.

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: 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, science, lab techniques, fashion design, textile design.

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: Laboratory Technician

Search for Apprenticeships

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

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

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Indeed.ie/ Payscale / 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.

• Society of Dyers and Colourists

  • Perkin House 82 Grattan Road, Bradford, West Yorks, BD1 2JB, UK
  • +44 (0)1274 725138
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Design & Crafts Council of Ireland

  • Castle Yard, Kilkenny
  • (056) 776 1804
  • 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