Understand the Industry:

• the textile manufacturing sector, its history, heritage and importance that textile manufacturing has on the economy, how the industry started, how mechanisation changed production and have a basic knowledge of the textile manufacturing processes, how advancements in innovation have improved the sector, including where new technology is under development and the evolution from traditional to modern manufacturing.

Supply Chain / Customer Base:

• the basics of the supply chain, how goods and services arrive at the business and where they go to after being manufactured, the importance of a positive customer experience, the roles involved in production and the importance of multi-skilling the workforce.  

Health, Safety & Welfare (Legislation):

• how the Health & Safety at Work Act applies to textile manufacturers (including areas of legislation specific to Noise, Dust, Fire, Occupational Health and Working Time Regulation), have an understanding of safety processes, safety management, effective risk assessment and hazard identification in the work area.

Raw Materials:

• the raw materials associated with textile production, from raw fibre processing to completed product. Knowledge of fibre growth, mechanised processing (fibre-yarn-fabric) and end production is required including differentiation (natural and man-made fibres).

Quality Standards:

• the quality standards associated with textile manufacturing and production including the process for checking the quality of a manufactured textile product, the differences between standard and non-standard quality testing, quality systems such as ISO 9001, textile specific measurements and industry standards, how to read and interpret specifications and test results.

Textile Manufacturing Techniques:

• the materials and equipment used to manufacture textile products and how manufacturing works in a mechanised environment based on production size and complexity. This relates to specific machinery used in textile production, how to interpret job documentation and understand specifications, tolerances, measurements, appearances and production sequencing routines.

Textile Machinery:

• the textile machinery maintenance routines that affect textile manufacturing performance, where fault conditions exist and where own levels of responsibility start and end, when and how to seek specialist technical advice.  

Environment:

• the basic conditions of environmental impact of textile manufacturing, including how manufacturing operations can be adapted to reduce environment impact, the ISO 14001 regulations, as well as the importance of waste reduction and recycling.

SKILLS: The Textile Manufacturing Operative will be able to…

Interpersonal Skills:

• develop working relationships in a manufacturing environment including listening skills around the machinery, effective communication skills with colleagues, identify improvements and interact confidently to ensure that production is achieved.

Textile Machinery Operations:

• set up, feed, programme and monitor machine gauges, dials and indicators, ensuring alignment and product monitoring, recording production, cleaning, oiling and lubrication based on the requirements of their own machinery responsibility.

Textile Manufacturing Maintenance:

• perform routine maintenance to ensure the efficiency of machinery meets production expectations. Ensure speed, feed, calculations and material flows are monitored and reported appropriately.

Interpret Data & Instructions

• read and interpret data from production records, specifications, data management, process planning meetings including job documentation and appropriate work instructions.

Collaboration & Adaptability:

• accept changing priorities and work flexibly to meet company requirements. Work effectively with others in a team whilst maintaining effective working relationships. Accept that in textile production, the expectation to complete tasks within the job role affects the customer experience.

Time Management:

• to ensure efficient and effective use of time, especially at shift changeover and during textile machinery downtime or changeovers. Manage time to meet business priorities.

BEHAVIOURS: The Textile Manufacturing Operative will demonstrate

Ownership & Responsibility:

• ownership of the role. Recognise the value of the role within the organisation and the value of the role others perform, the drive and ambition needed to achieve in all aspects of work, including the importance of self-organisation and self-management of time. 

Precision & Focus:

• a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of precision and excellence as appropriate to mechanised textile production, a positive work ethic in line with the organisation’s core strategies and principles.

Mindset:

• the right ‘mind-set’ for work within textile manufacturing, recognising the importance of growth, ambition, attitude, dedication and hard work.

Communication and service to Customers:

• appropriate communication techniques within a manufacturing environment, including patience, calmness, vigilance and appropriate communication styles when dealing with all types of customer.

Safety Culture:

• following safety procedures and safe working practices that are appropriate in a manufacturing environment and able to identify and articulate safety findings and improvements to colleagues.