Trainee Multi Skilled Cloth Production Operative
Overview
As a Trainee Cloth Production Operative, you will follow a structured training programme designed to develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a fully competent Cloth Production Technical Specialist.
Working alongside experienced colleagues and reporting to Cloth Production Shift Leaders, you will receive practical training across all aspects of cloth production, including warping, knotting, twisting-in, weaving, loom tuning, fault finding, troubleshooting and quality inspection.
This is a long-term development role requiring commitment to learning and continuous improvement. Over time, you will build the competence to work independently across all key cloth production operations, with the ultimate aim of progressing into a skilled technical specialist role.
Key Responsibilities
Learning & Development
- Complete a structured training programme across all cloth production disciplines.
- Develop knowledge and practical competency in:
- Warping
- Warp Knotting
- Twisting-In (Drawing-In)
- Weaving Operations
- Loom Tuning and Optimisation
- Cloth Inspection and Quality Assessment
- Fault Finding and Troubleshooting
- Learn to interpret peg plans, drafts, weaving specifications and technical instructions.
- Participate in competency assessments and development reviews.
- Maintain training records and evidence of progress.
Production Support
- Assist skilled colleagues with production activities and machine preparation.
- Support job changes, weft changes, piece felling and weaving activities to minimise loom downtime.
- Assist with setting up drawing-in and knotting machinery.
- Learn to identify cloth faults, weaving defects and production issues.
- Support first-piece checks and quality inspections.
- Ensure fabrics are produced to required design, pattern and quality standards.
- Assist with returning stopped looms to production safely and efficiently.
- Support continuous improvement activities within the department.
Quality & Technical Skills
- Learn how to identify, investigate and resolve production and quality issues.
- Gain an understanding of root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.
- Assist in checking lease bands, rods and warp sheets to ensure correct pattern preparation.
- Learn the principles of machine maintenance and basic equipment care.
- Support the recording and reporting of quality concerns and production issues.
Health, Safety & Housekeeping
- Work safely at all times and follow company Health & Safety procedures.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping within the department.
- Assist with the safe movement of materials, equipment and finished products.
- Contribute to a positive, safe and productive working environment.
Training & Development
The successful candidate will undertake extensive practical and technical training, gaining experience in:
- Preparing textile manufacturing operations
- Operating machinery and equipment in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Quality assurance and inspection activities
- Material preparation and handling
- Loom operation and optimisation
- Fault diagnosis and troubleshooting
- Basic machine maintenance
- Production record keeping
- Continuous improvement activities
- Technical problem solving
- Coaching and knowledge sharing
Training will be delivered through a combination of on-the-job learning, mentoring, internal training programmes and external development opportunities where appropriate.
Future Progression
This role is the foundation of a long-term career within Cloth Production. Subject to successful completion of training and demonstration of competency, the postholder will progressively develop towards becoming a fully skilled Cloth Production Technical Specialist, capable of:
- Performing all cloth production operations independently.
- Providing technical support across the department.
- Troubleshooting weaving and loom performance issues.
- Supporting quality investigations and continuous improvement activities.
- Training and mentoring future trainees and apprentices.
- Acting as a technical expert within the cloth production team.
Essential skills & experience
- Maths and English Level 2 or equivalent.
- Interest in engineering, machinery and manufacturing processes.
- Strong willingness to learn technical skills.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Ability to follow instructions and work safely.
- Good attention to detail and quality standards.
- Team player with effective communication skills.
Desirable skills & experience
- Previous manufacturing or textile experience.
- Mechanical aptitude or engineering interests.
- Experience working with machinery or equipment.
- Interest in pursuing a long-term technical career within textile manufacturing
- 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.
