ANZSCO Work Type Detail Sheets

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Knitting Machine Operator

711713 · Light Next-day ready
Career data Close match

Textile machine operators use machines to process yarn or thread into woven and knitted products like woollen clothing, carpets and rope.

Most common salary $56k – $87k
Upper salary up to $126k
Training 0-1 year
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
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Description

Operates machines to knit fabrics, garment parts and other articles from yarns such as cotton, wool, nylon and rayon.

Typical work tasks

  • Prepares machines for operation by selecting and installing attachments and components for specialised functions; sets and operates controls used to regulate processing operations; starts machines and monitors operation to detect faults and ensure effectiveness of operation; threads loom shuttles with cross-yarn arms; positions and feeds machines with fibre packages; repairs broken yarns by tying and splicing ends; examines finished products for defects and variations, reporting faults in machines, and carries out quality control procedures.

Typical work environment

  • Work indoors in workrooms. May be a home-based contract worker.
  • The work area will usually be adequately heated and ventilated.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Light demand work levels.
  • Sits constantly at knitting machines or in chairs.
  • Occasionally walks about the work area to collect materials and other supplies.
  • Stretches out and across on a regular basis to adjust and check the knitting machine operations and adjusts needles and wool as needed.
  • Does not usually squat, crouch or kneel.
  • Twisting of the body or neck may be required on an occasional basis.
  • Substantial contact with water or chemical substances is not required.
  • Light lifting is occasionally required.
  • Bends frequently over knitting machines. Hand knitters are not required to bend.
  • Machine sewing requires constant repetitive hand and arm movements.
  • Driving is not required.
  • Uses a range of hand sewing tools and equipment or operates a commercial sewing machine.
  • Uses pins, needles and a variety of other minor sewing equipment items.
  • Mental skills necessary include sewing and other practical skills as well as problem-solving design and organisation.
Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. Flagged next-day ready.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready Yes

How this was determined (model-generated): Knitting Machine Operator: qual OR experience, OJT sufficient for entry; experience-entered, no licence. Proposal holds.

Entry Requirements

An NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.