Machine Operators and Related Workers in Textile Processing
What they do?
Textile fibre and yarn preparation machine operators prepare textile fibres and spin, wind, reel, and twist yarn/thread.
A. Weavers operate looms to weave yarn/thread into textile fabrics and products.
B. Other weaving workers reproduce patterns, perform drawing-in/warp-tying activities, and set up looms.
C. Knitting machine operators run a battery of machines to produce knitted fabric, hosiery, garments, and other products.
D. Textile dyeing and finishing machine operators bleach, dye, and finish yarn, thread, cloth, and textile products.
E. Textile inspectors, graders and samplers prepare samples and inspect and grade textile products.
F. People in this group may be required to operate specialized machinery.
Where they find work?
1. Textile mills - 38.0%
2. Clothing manufacturing - 24.0%
3. Textile product mills - 17.0%
4. Chemical manufacturing - 4.0%
5. Wholesale trade - 3.0%
What education do I need?
1. To be a machine operator or other related worker in textile processing, you may need some high school, a high school diploma or a college diploma.
2. You may receive on-the-job training; its length depends on the complexity of the product or process, the number of machines you'll operate, and whether you'll perform equipment set-up/maintenance.
3. To become a weaver, knitter or other worker in a fabric-making occupation, you may need previous experience as a labourer in a textile processing company.
4. To be a textile inspector, grader or sampler, you may need experience as a weaver, knitter or other fabric-making operator.
5. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
2. Sciences
3. Machine Shop
4. Family Studies (Home Economics)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Machine Operators and Related Workers in Textile Processing is $12.77/HR, which is below average for occupations in the processing, manufacturing and utilities sector and are below average for all intermediate occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
7% of Machine Operators and Related Workers in Textile Processing are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for intermediate occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Machine Operators and Related Workers in Textile Processing is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($12.77) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average .
3. The unemployment rate (7%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average.
2. The retirement rate will likely be below average, and the number of retiring workers should not contribute significantly to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Machine Operators and related Workers in Textile Processing are found in Nova Scotia and Quebec while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (47%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Machinery
2. Attention to details
3. Quality control
