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Textile dyeing technician
Dyer, colour technologist
Textile dyeing technicians create dyes to colour fibres and fabrics.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£35000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
9am to 5pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; training with a professional body
University
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in
chemical engineering, textile technology, chemistry
You could also take a course in fashion and textiles if it covers manufacturing processes.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do a college course, which may help you to get a job as a trainee dyeing technician. Courses include
Level 3 Diploma In Textile Design and Manufacture, A level Chemistry, Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Textile Technical Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of on the job learning and study.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Other Routes
You could train with the Society of Dyers and Colourists, who offer courses from introductory level to advanced. You'll usually need to be working in textiles production or research to do the more advanced courses.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about working in textiles technology from the Society of Dyers and Colourists and The Textile Institute.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
    Observation and recording skills
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to operate and control equipment
    The ability to work well with your hands
    Knowledge of maths
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could
develop chemical 'recipes' to produce different colours and dyes, work out the correct temperatures to suit different dyeing methods, test sample dyes, mix batches of dye for use in textiles manufacturing, recommend special finishes or treatments, keep records of the dye development process and its results
Working environment
You could work in a workshop or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
You could move into research and development, quality control or production management. You might also work in technical sales, acting as a link between dye suppliers and textile manufacturers.
You could transfer to different areas of manufacturing that also use dye technology, like the food and drinks industry.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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