A Weaver produces woven fabric and material in a production environment, typically using highly technical, computerised looms. They need to be practical and logical and have the ability to work alone or as part of a team.

What would you do?

A Weaver working in textile production operates, monitors and maintains highly technical computerised weaving looms to manufacture woven fabrics and materials. They may operate a range of different loom types, programming the looms and setting up them up for production. They must ensure the machines are running to capacity and identify any problems quickly and efficiently. They work with various yarns and materials, and must monitor cloth production to ensure quality.

Day to day tasks include:

• Setting up, monitoring and feeding looms
• Troubleshoot any technical problems
• Overseeing the production process and recording defects
• Reading and following work specifications and documentation

Where would you work?

Medium or small textile manufacturing businesses typically employ Weavers. The job is based in the production area of a factory or workshop. The textile-manufacturing environment is typically well light and well ventilated, but can get very noisy. The work can be physically demanding and ear protection is required.

What would you be paid?

For a typical working week of approx. 39 hours. Shift work may be applicable.

A Weaver’s starting salary on average is £17,500-£22,500 per year
An experienced Weaver’s salary on average is £25,700-£34,000 per year.

Pay rates vary depending on age, experience, location and the size of the company. Additional benefits may include pension and health care. Many companies offer overtime, bonuses in order to meet deadlines.

Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeships (includes Weaver): Employers, by law must pay the government’s apprenticeship minimum wage rate. Research show that many textile employers supplement this rate of pay. https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Will you need qualifications or training?

Experienced is preferred, however employers are keen to train new textile manufacturing operatives and qualifications are not required. Training is delivered on-the-job; either on the production floor or in a training section. Employers may also register new trainees onto the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship

www.instituteforapprenticeships.org

Qualifications relating to the Weaver role are available via ABC Awards, Pearsons or,SQA

www.abcawards.co.uk
www.qualifications.pearson.com
www.sqa.org.uk

What are the career prospects?

With experience and training, you could progress into the role as Senior Weaver, Team Leader, Trainer or Quality Control position. Or move into technical management or textile technology.

How secure is the future of this career?

The UK’s world-class textile manufacture base is growing, thriving and continually investing. Sector employment continues to grow steadily from 97,000 in 2011 to 108,000 in 2016, with an added 19,500 self employed and research estimates the creation of 20,000 new jobs by 2020.
The number of UK textile & apparel manufacturing businesses has increased annually from 7190 in 2013 to 8075 in 2017 with forecast of further growth.
Textile goods exported across the globe continues to grow with export increases recorded at £250M in March 2016 to £273M in March 2017.
UK Fashion & textile manufacture covers traditional craft to technical textile and has a production value of £9.1 BN, add the wide fashion sector this increases to £28.1 BN sector – 4.7% of the total UK economy.

Where can you find job vacancies?

Vacancies are advertised across the UK with concentration in the Northwest and Yorkshire. Check out the latest vacancies on the sites below:

Indeed
Total Jobs
Reed
Drapers Jobs

Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship vacancies:

Some apprenticeship vacancies are ‘open to application’. With details on how to apply within the job vacancy details, these can be found on the job sites listed above. Apprenticeship vacancies can also be found via the Find an Apprenticeship’ Service. For further information, advise and tips on how to apply for an apprenticeship vacancy see the UCAS site apprenticeships–in-the-uk

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales)
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch (England)
https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-the-uk
The websites above are external and the number of job vacancies may vary. Check daily to see new opportunities as they are posted!

Interested?

See websites associated with the Weaving Role:

The Textile Institute
The Association of guilds of weavers, spinners and dyers
The Worshipful Company of Weavers
The Trades House of Glasgow – Weavers