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

Dyeing technicians make sure that textiles are dyed correctly and meet customers' requirements. 

In the laboratory, the dyeing technician measures out dyes and chemicals in a powder or liquid form, to produce suitable recipes for initial dyeing of a small sample of textile. They then compare strength and shade of dye to make sure it matches a given sample.  
 
As different types of materials require different treatments, technicians decide on the dyes and processes to use. They also carry out tests for analysis of chemicals, colour matching and to see if the dyed samples are colour fast. Computers and analytical instruments are often used for these tests.  
 
Dyeing technicians have to keep records of the recipes and processes used for each order. They may also have to choose and order dyestuffs and chemicals. They are usually responsible to the laboratory supervisor, and may also have contact with other technicians and dyehouse operatives.  
 
Quality control is an important aspect of the work and many companies work towards the recognised quality targets.  
 
The dyeing technician may also be required to clean equipment and help to maintain the laboratory.  
 
Protective clothing and coverings may have to be worn because of the potentially hasardous chemicals, fumes and dust.

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.

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 usually provided on the job by experienced staff. Technicians with ability and who are willing to study may be sent to Northern Ireland or the UK to attend courses in textiles (with coloration specialisms).  

With qualifications and experience progression can be made to senior positions such as Laboratory Manager.

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: design and manufacturing, supervisory and 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: applied science, pre-university science.

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: physical science, mathematical science, applied science.

Search for CAO Courses

A number of entrants particularly in the textile sector, enter this occupation via Design-orientated routes.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €43k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties. Role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical and related process operatives.

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

The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates to significant growth in employment occurring between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 4,900 persons employed. The volume of vacancies advertised for these roles was small across both DSP and OVATE data, although job adverts for this occupation grew in 2022 (OVATE). Despite the strong employment growth, the data is not pointing to any recruitment issues to date. 

• Society of Dyers and Colourists

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