Textile Mechanic

Keep Production Seamless with Technical Expertise.

Combine your technical expertise with practical problem-solving abilities to ensure the seamless production of clothing, footwear, and other textile products. As a Textile Mechanic you will play a crucial role in keeping the textile industry’s intricate machinery running smoothly and efficiently.

As a Textile Mechanic in the manufacturing sector, you will be responsible for the setup, maintenance, and repair of a wide range of textile machinery. Your technical acumen will be put to the test daily as you work with complex equipment used for spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, and tufting fabric. This involves a deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems, as well as the ability to interpret complex technical drawings and specifications.

Your role extends beyond routine maintenance to include troubleshooting, repair, and even machine modifications to improve efficiency and product quality. You’ll work closely with production teams to minimise downtime, optimise machine settings, and implement preventive maintenance strategies. Your expertise will be crucial in adapting machinery to new textile production techniques and materials, making you an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of textile manufacturing.

The finished products resulting from the machines maintained by Textile Mechanics span a wide spectrum of industries and applications. In the apparel sector, these include everyday clothing, underwear, outerwear, and sportswear. Home textiles encompass bedding, towels, curtains, and upholstery fabrics. Industrial and technical textiles cover specialised products like geotextiles, filtration materials, medical textiles, and protective clothing. Additionally, the machinery contributes to the production of accessories such as scarves and bags, as well as components for footwear.

Your role may include duties as follows:

  1. Assemble, configure and adjust textile machinery, fit fabricated metal parts, and assemble other parts, set up guides, stops and other controls according to specifications
  2. Form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using machining tools to press, cut, grind, plane, bore and drill metal; and prepare pattern mechanisms to control machinery operations
  3. study drawings and specifications to determine suitable material, method and sequence of operations, and machine settings
  4. Perform regular inspections and maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal machine performance.
  5. Quickly identify and resolve mechanical issues to minimise production disruptions.

Your ability to quickly diagnose and resolve issues will be critical in minimising downtime and maintaining production schedules, ensuring quotas and quality expectations are met, making you an indispensable asset to any team.

To be a successful textile mechanic you require a combination of experience and qualification. Many employers will advertise for an apprentice textile mechanic. Here are the steps to become a textile mechanic:

  1. Complete high school and undertake subjects like Design, Industrial Technology Skills and Mathematics
  2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) while you’re at school to gain foundation skills and knowledge
  3. You can apply directly to an employer. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.
  4. Complete an apprenticeship as a textile mechanic.
Also Known As:
  • Textile Machine Technician
  • Textile Equipment Repairer
  • Fabric Production Mechanic
  • Sewing Machine Mechanic
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a textile mechanic include:

  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Problem solving
  • Technical proficiency
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a textile mechanic include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical
  • Diligent
  • Responsive
  • Patience
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Industrial Technology Skills
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual Arts in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Fashion
  • Engineering Skills
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Textile Mechanic can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$55,000
Median
$70,000
High
$85,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment in this role. You can undertake the following qualifications as apprenticeships:

  • Certificate III in Engineering – Textile Mechanic (MEM31822)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

A textile mechanic may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

You could advance your career with the following qualifications:

  • Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119)

Holding a degree in human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Undertaking higher level learning at an undergraduate or graduate level in an engineering field would support deeper learning of technical concepts and theories, and support career advancement.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the textiles, clothing and footwear industry

Deeply rooted in Australia’s manufacturing heritage, the textiles, clothing and footwear industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to carve out a unique niche in the international fashion and textile landscape.

Textiles, clothing and footwear industry