Textile technologists have scientific knowledge of the structure and properties of raw and finished textiles and of the conversion of fibres or filaments to all types of fabrics, such as spinning, weaving, knitting; the manufacture of non-woven materials, dying, printing and finishing. They also need an understanding of the problems involved in the production of textile fabrics.
Raw materials of textile manufacturing pass through many hands before they become finished fabrics. These may include natural fibres such as wool and cotton or synthetic fibres such as nylon or polyester. However, regardless of the raw material used, most textiles are produced by spinning the fibre into yarn, weaving or knitting yarn into fabric and dyeing and finishing the fabric. As a result most employees in the textile industry are directly involved in production, either working with their hands or operating machinery.
Important to the textile industry, but not directly involved in production, are textile designers and textile technologists who have special talents and post-school training in order to perform effectively on technical, supervisory and administrative levels.
Professional textile technologists have a broad range of specialist areas to choose from, including: knitted shade netting, pantyhose or woven denim fabrics or curtaining, as well as carpeting and non-woven fabrics used for road or dam construction.
In industry, textile technologists are engaged in quality control of products or processes, or they are involved in supervising the production of textiles. They are also concerned with organizational and personnel problems associated with running factories.
Textile technologists also assist with technical advice in organizations concerned with the supplying or purchasing of many products used by the textile industry or in technical sales where the technologist advises customers on the best use of suitable products.
Textile technologists may also specialize in research in order to develop new or improved processes or materials. Laboratory technologists do physical, chemical or microscopic analyses on textiles, pigments and cleansing agents such as soap and detergents.
Satisfying Aspects
- working fairly regular hours
- varied and interesting work
- working with both people and machinery
Demanding aspects
- incorrect analyses can cause great losses for a factory, thus the responsibility is high
- working in an environment that could be affected by strikes
- staying informed and up to date on technology development and improvement
- working in factories in dangerous industrial areas
Requirements
- technical skills
- artistic ability, including a sense of form, colour and design
- keen to do research and develop new products
- practical understanding of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
- not colour-blind
- not allergic to dust or other fine particles
- able to work well with others
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Training
Degree: BSc (Hons) graduate with Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Agriculture as subjects, may enrol for an MSc degree in Textile Science at NMMU.
Diploma: N.Dip: Textile Technology - CPUT, DUT. Students can choose between the Dry Processing and the Wet Processing courses, both taking 3 years to complete.
N.Dip: and BTech: Textile Design & Technology - DUT, TUT
The SABS offers textile courses to outside participants. These courses cover all aspects of textiles, from fibre properties to the manufacturing processes, to quality control and testing. These courses are useful for participants who wish to go further by taking the internationally recognized Licentiateship of the Textile Institute.
A degree or diploma in science, with a subject such as Chemistry can also be used in the textile industry.
Employer
- textile industry for example spinning mills
- manufacturers of textile machinery and auxiliaries
- weaving and knitwear plants
- manufacturers of textile floor coverings, pantyhose, surgical dressings
- dye houses and finishing plants
- SA National Defence Force, Armscor
- mining houses
- municipalities
- Wool Association, Cotton Association, etc.
- testing and research institutes such as the SABS and the CSIR
- self-employment is rare, but can sometimes be found in small production areas where high fashion handicaps massive productions like the printing of T-shirts and embroidery. In all cases however, capital will be needed.
Contact
The Manager: Textile Division
SABS
Private Bag X191
Pretoria, 0001
Tel. (012) 428-7911
The Head: Textile Technology
Durban University of Technology
P O Box 953
Durban, 4000
Tel. (031) 204-2111
Textile Federation
P O Box 53
Bruma, 2026
40 Seventh Avenue
Edenvale, 1609
Tel: (011) 454-2342 Fax: (011) 454-2342
www.texfed.co.za