Apprentice Technical Dyer

Summary

Working alongside experienced dyeing professionals, the apprentice will learn the science of textile colouration, dye chemistry, quality control, laboratory testing, and production dyeing techniques. The role offers a unique opportunity to develop highly specialised skills within the textile industry.

Wage

£15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Training course

Textile manufacturing operative (level 2)

Hours

To be discussed at interview

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Thursday 19 November 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Dyehouse Operations

• Assist in the preparation and loading of dye vessels.
• Learn to operate electronic dispensing systems and production equipment.
• Support the weighing and preparation of dyes and chemicals.
• Understand dye recipes and their application within textile manufacturing processes.
• Assist with sampling and shade approval activities.

Technical Colour Matching

• Learn colour measurement techniques using laboratory equipment.
• Support the development of dye recipes for new and existing products.
• Assist with colour correction and troubleshooting activities.
• Gain an understanding of colour standards and customer specifications.
• Develop knowledge of spectrophotometers and colour management systems.

Quality Assurance

• Assist with laboratory testing and quality checks.
• Record and analyse dyeing results.
• Help investigate technical and quality issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Follow all health, safety, environmental and quality procedures.
• Learn the safe handling and storage of dyes, chemicals and auxiliaries.
• Wear appropriate PPE and adhere to safe systems of work.
• Participate in environmental and sustainability initiatives within the dyehouse.

Where you'll work

Holmfirth Dyers
Ribbleden Dye Works
Dunford Road
Holmfirth
HD9 2DP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

HUDDERSFIELD TEXTILE TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Textile manufacturing operative (level 2)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Read and interpret information for example, standard operating procedures, manuals, production plans, handover notes.
• Organise and prioritise own work.
• Follow health, safety and environmental procedures in line with regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Apply sustainability principles for example, minimise energy usage, minimise waste, and recycle materials.
• Follow operating procedures.
• Check resources.
• Check and set up equipment and machinery.
• Conduct start-up quality checks.
• Feed textile product components into the machine.
• Monitor manufacturing process; adjust parameters for example, speed, temperature.
• Conduct in-process production quality checks (roaming).
• Conduct final inspection quality checks.
• Prepare output for next stage for example, label, package.
• Monitor own performance data.
• Collect and record information: text or data - paper based or electronic.
• Identify and segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
• Follow basic maintenance procedures for example, clean, oil and lubricate machinery.
• Identify and resolve common faults and issues.
• Escalate issues.
• Identify opportunity for continuous improvement.
• Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with cyber security.
• Apply team working principles.
• Communicate with others for example, colleagues, customers, and managers.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.
• Read and interpret information for example, standard operating procedures, manuals, production plans, handover notes.
• Organise and prioritise own work.
• Follow health, safety and environmental procedures in line with regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Apply sustainability principles for example, minimise energy usage, minimise waste, and recycle materials.
• Follow operating procedures.
• Check resources.
• Check and set up equipment and machinery.
• Conduct start-up quality checks.
• Feed textile product components into the machine.
• Monitor manufacturing process; adjust parameters for example, speed, temperature.
• Conduct in-process production quality checks (roaming).
• Conduct final inspection quality checks.
• Prepare output for next stage for example, label, package.
• Monitor own performance data.
• Collect and record information: text or data - paper based or electronic.
• Identify and segregate resources for reuse, recycling, and disposal.
• Follow basic maintenance procedures for example, clean, oil and lubricate machinery.
• Identify and resolve common faults and issues.
• Escalate issues.
• Identify opportunity for continuous improvement.
• Use information technology and digital systems. Comply with cyber security.
• Apply team working principles.
• Communicate with others for example, colleagues, customers, and managers.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.

Training schedule

Training will take place on site with 12 visits over the course to the Textile Centre of Excellence

More training information

Textile Centre of Excellence -

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)
• Science (grade 4)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Chemistry (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

• Interest in science, chemistry, textiles or manufacturing.
• Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.