Engineering

Engineering and technical skills are needed for all the activities in the factory that use machinery and other equipment, including computers. New machines need to be put in and must then be kept in good working order. People will not be able to work if the machines are not working, products will not get made, there will be nothing to sell and the factory will fail.

Technical managers are likely to be highly trained engineers and will be in charge of different parts of the production process or all of it. It helps if they have a variety of skills, so that they know about electronic as well as mechanical machines.

Technicians and mechanics install and repair all the different mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment. They need to have a range of skills which may have been gained from in-company training and day release as well as from college courses after leaving school.

Product researchers help companies to stay ahead by knowing about new materials and ways of doing things. Research is done by trained engineers and textile technologists, with the help of technicians. The result of this research will have an effect on the way products are developed

Fabric testers are important to efficient production and to quality control. Testing is done by trained engineers and textile technologists with the help of technicians.

Colourists have to make sure that colour stays the same from one batch of goods to another. The mixing of dyes and chemicals is computerised but it is the colourist’s eye which helps to make the fine adjustments needed.

Purchasing and supply staff are responsible for buying material (yarns, fabrics, trims and so on) for use in making garments. This has to be done by someone who understands the way things are made in the factory, as well as the way the product should look.

Health and safety staff have to make sure that workers are not put in danger and that machinery and working methods are safe. They also need to be sure the company is following the law.