myfuture... Australia's career information & exploration service


Advanced Search

Occupation Details

Textile Mechanic



Fact Sheet

Making repairs to a TAFE sewing machine

Making repairs to a TAFE sewing machine

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

Duties and Tasks

Textile mechanics may perform the following tasks:

  • 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 a shift to run smoothly and prevent problems from occurring
  • adjust machine settings to meet design specifications.

Specialisations

A spinning mechanic studies specifications to determine settings for machines that are associated with 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.
A tufting mechanic works on machines that produce tufted carpet.
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.
A weaving mechanic works on machines that convert yarns into fabrics such as blankets, carpets, towels and clothing material.
A sewing machine mechanic assembles, adjusts, lubricates and repairs industrial sewing machines.

Quick Facts

Learning Area
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.

School subjects that include some aspect of HOME ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a home economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.

School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.

School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Work Demands
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake.

These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.

Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.

These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Work Fields
Included are all types of engineering and technical jobs, including support jobs such as draftspersons and technicians.

Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
Included are jobs associated with the production, design and repair of clothes, curtains, carpets, footwear, leather and canvas goods.
Work Interests
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
Skill Levels
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Work Conditions

Textile mechanics usually work shifts.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy practical and manual work
  • good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
  • mechanical aptitude
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • able to work quickly to locate and fix problems
  • good communication skills.

Case Study

Surf’s Up!

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Making repairs to a TAFE sewing machine

Making repairs to a TAFE sewing machine
Email