Apprenticeship training course

Technical dyer and colourist (level 4)

There are 7 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

Information about Technical dyer and colourist (level 4)

Producing highly specialised dyes and colours.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Dyeing and colouration of textiles/fabrics in the overall textile supply chain including the history of dyeing in the UK, the dyeing techniques have evolved and the common practices of dyehouse operations
  • Strategies for manufacturing including global resourcing, strategic planning, management culture and expectation and plant operations that effect the manufacturing process
  • Product requirements used in dyeing and colouration of yarns and fabrics including production application, variety of use, innovation, cost control and pricing fluctuation
  • Risk assessment & management, hazard identification & rectification, safe working systems and an understanding of the legal frameworks that affect textile production, such as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, (CoSHH), Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (REACH) and any other statutory regulations
  • Fibre processes, fibre types and specific dyes for coloration manufacturing and how fibres react under chemical processes
  • Background and nature of the global textile industry, including how the textile colouration markets are served worldwide, the goods that are procured, the services to business, customer expectations and who the supply chain works
  • Hazard protocols including safe storage of dyestuffs and chemicals
  • Dye and colour production equipment used for dyeing and colouring fibres, yarns and fabrics for processing
  • Colour chemistry in the manufacturing process and how it affects the finished product. This includes the technical knowledge of protein fibres, cellulosic fibres, synthetic fibres, and man-made fibres and the structures of dye molecules
  • Chemical and physical theories that underpin textiles from raw material through to finished coloured fabric/garment including colour physics, colour measurement and the implementation in a laboratory and production setting.
  • Process of applying chemistry to textile colouration including reactions, pH control, methodology and rationale including which fibre with which dye you would select for usage.
  • Quality and environmental standards appropriate for colour fastness both legislated and advisory in relation to effluent, safe chemical usage, organic textiles and other materials
  • Machinery and engineering design, the flow and process of production, dye pressure, suitability, and product preparation used within dye/colour machinery and the effect of processing on product quality
  • Environmental controls and implications of failure
  • A range of industry ICT systems to determine the correct dye colour

  Skills

  • Create and monitor dye profiles for batch production and batch reporting, ensuring that appropriate decision making to tackle fault or quality issues is effectively undertaken
  • Develop operational plans that affect dye manufacturing, including the completion of specialist, technical reports and data to articulate results
  • Perform effectively within a team environment and build strong positive working relationships with internal and external customers, colleagues, stakeholders and suppliers to ensure the mission and the ethos of the company is maintained.
  • Identify and formulate problem solving technical problems associated with errors or critical failures within the coloration industry
  • Carry out technical dye profiling for batch production, batch reporting analytics and problem solving/decision making to tackle fault or quality issues
  • Use pressure (jet) and atmospheric dyeing techniques and machinery to produce dyed fibres, yarns and fabrics including jig/winch, loose stock, vat, hank, yarn and top dyeing variations
  • Identify types of dye process needed to ascertain variations and differences of natural and man-made fibres, such as polyesters, wools, cottons and nylons
  • Carry out technical steps in the manufacturing selection process to ensure non-routine dye treatments and application techniques are consistent
  • Effective team performance, building positive relationships with stakeholders to ensure the mission and the ethos of the company is maintained throughout the customer journey
  • Effectively communicate at all levels, detailing dye and colouration information with clarity, logic and accuracy demonstrating a high degree of technical detail to stakeholders
  • Maintain atmospheric and pressure dyeing systems, ensuring that presses, hoists and dispensary equipment including effluent control are managed and maintained, machinery utilisation is maximised and downtime minimised through effective maintenance
  • Contribute to operational plans including specialist, technical reports and data to reinforce results and decision making such as Identifying priorities that affect the running of production
  • Scrutinise the impact of environment science on dyeing and colouration processes and manage treatments that impact on the environment (such as spillage, effluent leakage, process controlling, implication and remedial activity)
  • Analyse information, formulate judgements and articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, review and evaluation
  • Use relevant ICT systems and machinery such as flow control, valve pressure, valve opening machines and spectrometers to determine the correct dye colour

  Behaviours

  • Acts with honesty and integrity as key indicators of competence whilst promoting a collective ownership of performance through a 'zero error/right first time' approach
  • Flexibility and adaptability in the workplace, showing positivity in dealing with changing patterns to meet business priorities
  • Responsible approach to manage, mitigate and avoid risk through self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of function, people, culture, business and management activity
  • Show energy and enthusiasm in the role including dealing with setbacks, coping under pressure
  • Self-manage work constraints in terms of resource, planning, behaviour, motivation and enterprise
  • Ensure that client confidentiality is honoured and maintained consistently
  • Logical thinker, using cognitive skills to analyse information and identify solutions
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Engineering and manufacturing
• Qualification level: 4; Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
• Course duration: 36 months
• Maximum funding: £9,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Colour scientist
  • Dye-house technician
  • Colour chemist
  • Senior dye-house supervisor
  • Laboratory technician
  • Laboratory manager
  • Manufacturing managers
  • Dye technologist

View more information about Technical dyer and colourist (level 4) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.