Clothing technologists work on the design, development and production of textile and apparel products. They carry out a range of technical, investigative and quality control work to ensure the end product (from clothing to household up to industrial textiles). They perform to specifications, improve production efficiency and quality while liaising with those involved in the production process. They liaise with designers, adapt designs to suit production methods, make and size pre-production garments, source fabrics and accessories, undertake quality evaluations of materials, check the quality of the final product, and consider ecological aspects.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Studying functional statements, organizational charts and project information to determine functions and responsibilities of workers and work units and to identify areas of duplication;
(b) Establishing work measurement programmes and analysing work samples to develop standards for labour utilization;
(c) Analysing workforce utilization, facility layout, operational data and production schedules and costs to determine optimum worker and equipment efficiencies;
(d) Developing specifications for manufacture, and determining materials, equipment, piping, material flows, capacities and layout of plant and systems;
(e) Organizing and managing project labour and the delivery of materials, plant and equipment;
(f) Establishing standards and policies for installation, modification, quality control, testing, inspection and maintenance according to engineering principles and safety regulations;
(g) Inspecting plant to improve and maintain performance;
(h) Directing the maintenance of plant buildings and equipment, and coordinating the requirements for new designs, surveys and maintenance schedules;
(i) Advising management on new production methods, techniques and equipment;
(j) Liaising with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies.