Machine Operators in Textile, Fabric, Fur, and Leather Manufacturing
(NOC 9441, 9442, 9445, 9446, 9447)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesThis group includes those who operate machines used in making clothing, fur, and leather products. They are employed by textile companies, leather tanning and fur dressing establishments and garment, fur and leather products manufacturers.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Machine Operators in Textile, Fabric, Fur, and Leather Manufacturing most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work).
The median employment income for 56% of Machine Operators in Textile, Fabric, Fur, and Leather Manufacturing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $30,214. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$11.00
Minimum$14.60
Median$20.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,285
Minimum$23,821
Median$41,361
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.00
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes those who operate machines used in making clothing, fur, and leather products. They are employed by textile companies, leather tanning and fur dressing establishments and garment, fur and leather products manufacturers.
Job duties
Machine operators and related workers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate spinning, twisting, winding or reeling machines; and operate a variety of machines to bleach, dye, coat or finish fabric, thread, yarn or other textile products.
- Operate machines or use hand and powered cutting knives to remove unnecessary particles from hides, skins or pelts; shave or polish hides; and shear fur or wool hides to produce pelts with hair of specified or uniform lengths.
- Mix dyes or chemicals according to established formulas.
- Oversee work area, examine products for defects and ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Investigate machine stoppages and notify supervisor or mechanic in the event of equipment malfunction.
- May set up machines and assist with maintenance and minor repairs to machinery.
Fabric, fur, and leather cutters perform some or all of the following duties:
- Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters or computer numerically controlled (CNC) cutting devices.
- Adjust cutting technique to type of fabric and style of garment.
- Cut fur skins in diagonal strips to specified length and shape of pelt using furrier's knives and cutters.
- Number pelts to indicate their location on pattern.
- Select leather and cutting dies for leather goods and shoe parts according to specifications.
- Position leather on cutting bed of machine, maximizing usage according to skin grain, skin flaws and skin stretch.
- Operate clicker or punch press to stretch leather.
- Operate machine to cut leather or cut single leather skins by hand to make leather products.
- May cut materials samples.
Inspectors and graders in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Examine natural, synthetic and hybrid textile, fabric, fur and leather garments or products for conformity to quality standards.
- Inspect and grade animal hides and pelts according to size, condition and weight.
- Verify fit or size of finished garments and products by measuring or comparing products with samples and patterns.
- Mark defects, repair minor imperfections, cut excess materiel using scissors, and remove lint and spots using brushes, lint removers and cleaning solutions.
- Grade and sort finished products and tag according to size, style and quality.
- Record information on products inspected.
- May package products.
Sample job titles
- cloth mender
- clothing cutter - clothing manufacturing
- fur grader
- garment marker
- hide and pelt processing worker
- loom weaver
- quality control tester - textiles
- rug weaver
- sewing machine operator
- textile-dyeing and finishing machine operator
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Supervisory positions in textile processing usually requires completion of a college program in textiles, chemistry or a related subject.
Other considerations
Shift work may be typical for many of these jobs. Previous experience as a labourer in the same company may be required for some operators in this group. While there is some level of mobility among jobs in this grouping, this can be limited due to differences in machines and products. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience and sometimes additional training or education in some jobs.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Northern
Halifax
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
25-34
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
N/ALess than high school
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.