How to become a Textile Mechanic

Duties & Tasks of a Textile Mechanic

Textile mechanics:

• Use tools and instruments to set up machines
• Start machines for trial runs to ensure they are running properly
• Diagnose and fix processing faults on textile equipment
• Inspect yarns and fabrics produced
• Repair or replace faulty parts
• Organise the smooth running of shifts and prevent problems from occurring
• Adjust machine settings to meet design specifications.

Tasks

• May erect machines and equipment on-site.
• Sets guides, stops and other controls on machining tools, sets up and sets controls for textile machines.
• Diagnoses faults and performs operational maintenance of machines, and overhauls and repairs.

Working conditions for a Textile Mechanic

Textile mechanics usually work shifts.

Employment Opportunities for a Textile Mechanic

Textile mechanics are employed by weaving mills and manufacturers of clothing, knitted products, textiles, footwear and carpet. The nature of a textile mechanic's job is changing with the introduction of computerised machinery. With experience, and sometimes further training, textile mechanics may progress to technician, supervisory or quality control positions.

Specializations

Knitting Mechanic

A knitting mechanic prepares patterning equipment that controls automatic knitting machines to produce a variety of knitted fabric and clothing, including hosiery, jumpers, shirts and underwear.

Sewing Machine Mechanic

A sewing machine mechanic assembles, adjusts, lubricates and repairs industrial sewing machines.

Spinning Mechanic

A spinning mechanic studies specifications to determine settings for machines that use materials ranging from raw fibre through to finished thread such as wool and cotton. They then install and align gears, arrange yarns on the machines and adjust machines to produce different types and thicknesses of yarn.

Tufting Mechanic

A tufting mechanic works on machines that produce tufted carpet.

Weaving Mechanic

A weaving mechanic works on machines that convert yarns into fabrics such as blankets, carpets, towels and clothing material.

Textile Mechanic

Textile mechanics set up, adjust and maintain machines used in the textile, clothing and footwear industries.

• 

  Average age

  55 years

• 

  Future Growth

  Stable

• 

  Gender Share

  8% female

• 

  Average full-time

  43 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  $2,062

• 

  Skill level rating

  Medium skill

• 

  Unemployment

  Lower unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  71% Full-Time

• 

  Employment Size

  280 workers

• 

  Employment by state

  ACT: 1.1%
  NSW: 24.2%
  NT: 0.0%
  QLD: 20.6%
  SA: 5.1%
  TAS: 2.9%
  VIC: 41.2%
  WA: 5.1%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 1.8%
  20-24: 1.1%
  25-34: 8.3%
  35-44: 11.5%
  45-54: 26.6%
  55-59: 20.5%
  60-64: 13.3%
  65 and Over: 16.9%
  
• 

  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 5.8%
  Bachelor degree: 6.6%
  Certificate III/IV: 57.4%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0%
  Year 10 and below: 19.8%
  Year 11: 1.6%
  Year 12: 8.9%