Overview
Weavers, knitters and other workers in fabric making occupations operate machines to process yarn or thread into woven, non-woven and knitted products such as cloth, lace, carpets, rope, industrial fabric, hosiery and knitted garments or to quilt and embroider fabric. This unit group also includes workers who perform activities such as reproducing patterns, drawing-in and tying warps and setting up looms. They are employed by textile companies and by garment and mattress manufacturing companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate looms to weave yarn or thread into textile fabrics or products
Operate machines that produce twine, ropes or nets
Operate batteries of knitting machines to produce knitted fabric, hosiery, garments or other products
Operate carpet tufting machines, felt making needle-punch machines and other machines to produce textile products
Operate large automatic multi-needle machines to embroider material or to sew lengths of several layers of material to make yard goods, quilts or mattress coverings
Patrol machines and check fabrics or products for defects and to verify efficient operation
Investigate machine stoppages
Repair minor mechanical problems such as broken or defective needles
Notify supervisor or repairers of mechanical malfunctions.
Set up looms or other processing machines
Read loom patterns and prepare loom pattern mechanisms for processing
Employment prospects
Annual salary
-
$39,200
-
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
20expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
On-the-job training is provided for periods up to several months, depending on the complexity of the product, whether equipment set-up and maintenance is done by the operator, and the number of machines operated.
Previous experience as a labourer in the same company may be required for some operators in this group.
Additional information
Mobility among employers may be limited by differences in machines and products.
Progression to textile machinery mechanics and repairers or to supervisory positions is possible with experience and training.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.