Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• 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.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

The Work

Colour technologists apply colorants (dyes and pigments) to products and materials. They may make the colorants themselves.  
 
While dyes have been used from very early times, advances over the last century have made the colour technologist's job highly technical and scientific.  
 
Colour technologists may work in research departments. Here, they develop new products, improve existing ones and investigate the use of cheaper raw materials. They also look for more efficient and environmentally safe processes. If time and budget permit, there may be room for more creative work.  
 
Before a new process or product is developed, colour technologists take into account safety, cost, manufacturing techniques and marketability. Repetitive testing over a long period of time is often a feature of development work. Colour technologists have to make sure the dyes and pigments they develop are colour fast. In the manufacture of products like paint, plastic and cosmetics, they can perform an analytical role ensuring accuracy of reproduction, application and durability.  
 
Colour technologists may work in technical sales and services departments. Here, they explain the product's uses, respond to the needs of the industry and deal with technical problems and queries.  
 
Dyeing or printing in the textile industry is usually specialist work. In other industries, coloration is a part of the manufacturing process and colour technologists have wider responsibilities. Colour Technologists are involved in most areas of manufacturing industry from cars to cosmetics.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
• Maintain, clean, or sterilise laboratory instruments or equipment.
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
• Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardised formulas, or create experimental formulas.
• Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
• Provide and maintain a safe work environment by participating in safety programs, committees, or teams and by conducting laboratory or plant safety audits.
• Provide technical support or assistance to chemists or engineers.
• Develop or conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates, or products.
• Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.

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

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.

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.

Entry is usually with a degree in a pure science, chemical engineering subject or specialist degree course. It is possible to work your way up from operative and technician level jobs to become clothing or colouring Technologist/Manager.  

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manufacturing Technician skills, Engineering operations, Laboratory assistant, Quality management in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: General Engineering, Textile Design, Lab Techniques, Applied science, laboratory techniques at NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Lab Tech & Lab Anlyst, Lean Sigma, Engineering Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Textile for costume production. General Engineering, Manufacturing engineering, Applied Science Chemistry, Chemical & process engineering at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

Postgraduate Study Options Quality control, Engineering- Chemical & manufacturing proccesses, Chemical Sciences-research, and Management at NFQ levels 9-10

Science Foundation Ireland: Smart Futures  

Last Updated: November, 2023

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

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

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

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here