High School

For some textile production jobs, a high school education is desirable but may not be necessary. Workers who operate machines are often hired as unskilled labor and trained on the job. However, with the increasingly complex machinery and manufacturing methods in this industry, more and more often a high school diploma plus some technical training is expected of job applicants. High school students interested in a textile career should take courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and English. Computer skills are necessary, since many machines are now operated by computer technology.

Postsecondary Training

Even those with postsecondary school education generally must go through a period of on-the-job training by experienced workers or representatives of equipment manufacturers, where they learn the procedures and systems of their particular company. Some companies have co-op programs with nearby schools. Participants in these programs work as interns during their academic training with the agreement that they will work for the sponsoring company upon graduation. A two-year associate's degree in textile technology is required for technicians, laboratory testers, and supervisory personnel.

Certification or Licensing

There are no certification or licensing requirements for textile manufacturing workers.

No experience is needed to work in most textile manufacturing positions, but those with prior work experience will increase their chances of landing a job, getting promoted, and possibly earning higher pay.

Many machine operators need physical stamina, manual dexterity, and a mechanical aptitude to do their job. Changes are underway in the industry that make other kinds of personal characteristics increasingly important, such as the ability to assume responsibility, to take initiative, to communicate with others, and to work well as a part of a team.