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- Play a key role in the highly technical field of textile development
- Great for those with an interest in science and technology
- Work in a fast-paced field full of exciting opportunities across multiple industries
As an analytical textile technologist your role would be to support the development of fabrics and materials used in places where they need to perform specific functions, like in healthcare or the automotive industries. For example the textiles may need to have waterproof or fireproof qualities.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Working with customers, staff and suppliers
- Using analytical instruments and techniques, like microscopes and infrared technology, to test samples
- Looking at technical performance specifications
- Developing new analytical techniques
- Interpreting and reporting data
- Writing technical reports and cost estimates
- Dealing with health and safety issues
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in a laboratory, and you'll most likely need to wear protective clothing and have good knowledge of health and safety procedures.
You'll need
You'll need a strong interest in science, good analytical skills and attention to detail for this job. Choosing science, technology and/or textiles-based subjects will help you progress towards this career.
Employers may ask for a degree in textiles technology; science; engineering; textile science and technology; or materials science and engineering.
If you have a non-textiles degree, a postgraduate qualification in textiles technology would be useful. If you don't have a degree, you could start at technician level and work your way up. You may need colour-normal vision for some roles.
You may be able to start out at technician level and then work your way up if you do not have a degree.
You could also do a textile specialist higher apprenticeship.
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.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could apply for jobs with more responsibility, like technical manager or production manager, or you could move into quality control or start your own business.