Tufting operator

Tufting operators supervise the tufting process of a group of machines, monitoring fabric quality and tufting conditions. They inspect tufting machines after set up, start up, and during production to ensure the product being tufted meets specs and quality standards.

The following job titles also refer to tufting operator:

tufter
yardage-tufting machine operator
tufting machinist
chenille machine operator
tufting creeler
tufting supervisor
tuft operator
tufting machine operator

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a tufting operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Tufting operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to tufting operator.

nonwoven staple machine operator
nonwoven filament machine operator
braiding machine operator
weaving machine supervisor
weaving machine operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of tufting operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of tufting operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

textile chemical quality technician
textile quality technician
textile sourcing merchandiser
textile process controller
textile operations manager

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of tufting operator.

• Textile industry machinery products: The offered textile industry machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Tufting technology: Know how to produce pile fabrics such as carpets using tufting technology.
• Textile techniques: Have a thorough understanding of textile processing techniques.

These skills are necessary for the role of tufting operator.

• Manufacture textile floor coverings: Produce textile floor coverings by tending machines, sewing parts, and applying finishing touches to products such as carpets, rugs, and made up textile floor covering articles.
• Control textile process: Planning and monitoring textile production to achieve control on behalf of quality, productivity and delivery time.
• Produce textile samples: Make up textile samples or have them fabricated by specialised workers or technicians.
• Evaluate textile characteristics: Evaluate textiles and their properties in order to manufacture products in conformity with specifications.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of tufting operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Nonwoven machine technology: Manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics according to specification. Development, manufacture, properties and evaluation of nonwoven fabrics.
• Textile technologies: Textile technologies to design, manufacture and evaluate the properties of textiles.
• Properties of fabrics: The influence of chemical composition and molecular arrangement of yarn and fibre properties and fabric structure on the physical properties of textile fabrics; the different fibre types, their physical and chemical characteristics and different material characteristics; the materials used in different processes and the effect on materials as they are processed. 

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of tufting operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.

8152 – Weaving and knitting machine operators

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References

1. Tufting operator – ESCO