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Textile Process Operator

Kaimahi Kaka-aku

Textile process operators carry out a variety of tasks in the production of materials such as fabric, canvas, yarn and carpet.

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Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include construction and mechanical technologies, maths and processing technologies.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3

Useful experience

Useful experience for textile process operators includes:

  • factory work
  • mechanical engineering work
  • sewing experience.

What you will do

Textile process operators may do some or all of the following:

  • weave or knit fabrics, clothes and carpets
  • operate the machinery used to make textiles
  • wash and blend wool, yarn or cloth
  • check the quality of products
  • spin wool or other fibres to make yarn
  • dye or bleach materials
  • glue or weld fabric together
  • press, stretch or waterproof materials.

Skills and knowledge

Textile process operators need to have knowledge of:

  • textiles and the products being made
  • welding, weaving, sewing and knitting methods
  • safety regulations 
  • quality control methods 
  • how to maintain and operate machinery.
Pay

Textile process operators usually earn

$24

per hour

Job opportunities
Poor
Chances of getting a job as a textile process operator are poor due to a downturn in manufacturing.
Length of training
<1
year of training usually required.

Industry

Manufacturing

Textile process operators carry out a variety of tasks in the production of materials such as fabric, canvas, yarn and carpet.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a textile process operator, as you gain skills on the job.

Textile process operators may complete Level 4 or Level 5 New Zealand Certificates in Dyeing and Finishing, Textile Machine Setting, Textile Manufacturing and Industrial Textile Fabrication while working.

Chances of getting a job

Chances of getting a job as a textile process operator are poor as it is cheaper to make textiles overseas and most textiles are now made by machines.

Global demand for synthetic textiles instead of wool has also meant less demand for textile process operators.

Many textile production factories have closed or reduced their staff numbers.

According to the Census, 1,200 textile process operators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Textile process operators can work for a variety of companies such as:

  • carpet manufacturers
  • synthetic textile manufacturers
  • natural textile manufacturers
  • canvas and plastic fabricators
  • yarn manufacturers.

Find out more about training

Competenz
0800 526 1800 - www.competenz.org.nz
MITO
0800 88 21 21 - www.mito.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Textile process operators may progress to work in design or product development, or move into management roles.

Textile process operators may specialise in:

  • carding
  • carpet making
  • dyeing and finishing
  • knitting
  • machine setting
  • tufting
  • welding.

Working conditions

Textile process operators:

  • usually work regular hours, but may sometimes work overtime
  • work in factories in conditions that may be hazardous or noisy.

Physical Requirements

Textile process operators need to be reasonably fit and strong and have good hand-eye co-ordination.

Useful personal qualities

Textile process operators need to be:

  • able to follow instructions  
  • accurate and careful
  • patient
  • quick and alert 
  • able to work well in a team
  • responsible 
  • practical.

Industry

Manufacturing

Textile process operators carry out a variety of tasks in the production of materials such as fabric, canvas, yarn and carpet.

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