Textile operative

You could do a college course, which may help you when you start looking for work. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Textiles
• Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing a textile manufacturing operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly for work. There are no particular requirements although experience in textile manufacturing will be helpful.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• observation and recording skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• operating machine looms that knit, weave and loop threads together
• preparing fibres, making sure they are combed, cleaned and twisted into yarns
• spinning fibres and winding them onto bobbins or cones
• treating fabrics to make them stain or crease resistant
• cleaning production areas

You could work in a factory or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be noisy.