Analytical textile technologist

You'll usually need a degree in:

• textile science and technology
• materials science and engineering

You could do a postgraduate qualification in a subject like textiles technology, especially if your first degree is not related to textiles.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a textile technical specialist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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• equivalent entry requirements
• higher and degree apprenticeships

You may be able to start out at technician level and then work your way up if you do not have a degree.

To do this, you'll usually need some relevant work experience. You'll also need to take some work-based training like a foundation degree.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in textile technology from The Textile Institute.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of chemistry
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• analysing and testing samples in a lab
• measuring the technical performance of materials
• interpreting and reporting data
• writing technical reports
• developing new analytical techniques
• working with industry customers and suppliers

You could work in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.