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This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Textile fibre and yarn processing machine operators and workers

• Operate and feed machines that wash, mix, blend, pick, card, lap, comb or draw fibres and finish yarn
• Operate spinning, twisting, winding or reeling machines
• Operate a variety of machines to bleach, dye, coat or finish fabric, thread, yarn or other textile products
• Mix dyes or chemicals according to established formulas
• Operate machinery to print designs onto textile products
• 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.

Hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers

• 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
• Prepare solutions according to pre-established formulas and immerse hides, skins or pelts to clean, dehair, pickle, dye, oil, tan, soften and preserve
• Adjust rotation and mixing action of vats according to state of pelts
• Tint or dye furs to enhance natural shades of fur
• May maintain and repair vats and other machinery.

• Completion of secondary school may be required.
• On-the-job training is provided for periods up to several months, depending on the complexity of the process and the number of machines operated.

• Progression is possible within the group to operate more complex dye ranges and textile printing equipment.
• Progression to supervisory positions in textile processing usually requires completion of a college program in textiles, chemistry or a related subject.
• Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience for fibre and yarn preparation machine operators and hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers.
• There is some mobility among jobs in this unit group.

• Master dyers and textile colour technologists (in 2211 Chemical technologists and technicians)
• Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing (9217)