Apprentice Lab Technician
Overview
The Apprentice will support the Dyehouse Manager in all laboratory testing, colour development, and shade management activities, ensuring the highest standards of colour accuracy across yarns and fabrics produced internally and sourced from external suppliers.
This role plays a key part in developing and maintaining colour performance, including responsibility for Moon’s colour continuity library, collaboration with the Design team on new shade development, and shade approval for both internal and external materials.
The Apprentice will also assist in creating and updating product specifications, maintaining accurate test records for full traceability, ensuring product compliance, and supporting ongoing sustainability initiatives within the department.
- Calculate and generate dye recipes for wool and blended fibres.
- Prepare chemical and dye solutions for laboratory work in accordance with SOPs.
- Operate and maintain all laboratory dyeing equipment safely and efficiently.
- Use DataColor spectrophotometer and MATCH prediction software for recipe formulation, shade evaluation, and colour correction.
- Apply both instrumental and visual colour assessment skills to achieve accurate matches.
- Ensure laboratory dyeing’s align with bulk production standards, enabling smooth upscaling to full-scale production.
- Report any inconsistencies, faults, or quality concerns promptly to the Lab Manager or Directors.
- Develop and maintain lab dip examples prior to bulk dyehouse operations.
- Support the development and standardisation of shade and yarn testing across internal and external processes.
- Assist with colourfastness testing and communicate results and improvement opportunities to the Design team.
- Maintain a comprehensive colour library to support yarn and piece dye standardisation.
- Collaborate with the Design team to review and approve borderline or challenging production shades.
- Create and develop new yarn and piece dye shades in partnership with Design.
- Work closely with the blending team to match and create new blend colours.
- Strong mental arithmetic and numerical reasoning skills.
- Genuine interest in science — particularly chemistry (an advantage but not essential).
- Ability to apply scientific principles to real-world textile manufacturing processes.
- Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficient in IT, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Interest in textile manufacturing, dyeing, and natural fibre processing.
- Ability to prioritise workloads effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Laboratory Technician Level 3
This standard aligns with the following professional recognition: The Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Physics have worked together with the Science Council to publish learning guides intended to further enhance career prospects and support the professional standards they have a duty to uphold within their Royal Charter
- Enrolled in Textile Manufacturing course, developing understanding of fibre types, processing, and production methods.
- Completed SDC Foundation Textile Colouration Certificate, covering dye chemistry, fibre compatibility, and colour science.
- Gained hands-on experience with a range of textile laboratory machinery and dyeing equipment.
- Trained in Quality Control and Quality Assurance procedures to ensure product consistency and compliance.
- Completed Health and Safety in Textile Manufacturing training, including COSHH awareness and safe handling of chemicals
- Hungry – we want you to commit to working hard, have a burning desire to achieve your goals and are willing to put in the effort and dedication to make them a reality.
- Humble – we want you to recognise your strengths while staying open to learning, growing and acknowledging the contribution of others.
- Smart – we want you to be honest and inclusive and respectful of others, value diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
We are an international brand with a long-standing reputation for innovation, design and premium quality – producing authentic, woollen fabrics and accessories for leading fashion brands and interior designers worldwide.
As one of the select few mills in the UK that can perform all processes at a single site, we boast remarkable versatility and the ability to control each process to meet our exacting standards. Each of these processes required incredible expertise and finesse, which is where our fantastic, diverse team come into play who champion a culture that encourages leadership, creativity, innovation and learning p interacting as one team, irrespective of position or level.
Even after almost two centuries in business, we remain incredibly ambitious with big plans for growth and expansion. End-to-end technology integration, growing new routes to market, and increasing brand awareness are just some of the exciting new projects in the pipeline, with plenty more to come.
To apply for this role, please send us your CV and covering letter using the button below. If you have any further questions, please get in touch at careers@moons.co.uk.
