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Useful experience for textile process operators includes:

• factory work
• mechanical engineering work
• sewing experience.

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.

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.

Competenz

0800 526 1800 - www.competenz.org.nz

MITO

0800 88 21 21 - www.mito.org.nz

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.

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.