Analytical textile technologist
Manufacturing

How to become an analytical textile technologist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You'll usually need a degree in:

• textile science and technology
• materials science and engineering

You could do a postgraduate qualification in a subject like textiles technology, especially if your first degree is not related to textiles.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

You could do a textile technical specialist higher apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (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

Work

You may be able to start out at technician level and then work your way up if you do not have a degree. To do this, you'll usually need some relevant work experience. You'll also need to take some work-based training like a foundation degree.

More info

Further information You can find out more about careers in textile technology from The Textile Institute.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of chemistry
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• analysing and testing samples in a lab
• measuring the technical performance of materials
• interpreting and reporting data
• writing technical reports
• developing new analytical techniques
• working with industry customers and suppliers

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

You could become a senior technologist, leading a research and development team, move into quality control or become a technical production manager. You might also move into buying or technical sales, working with materials suppliers and manufacturers of fashion and industrial textiles.