Employers often use a rotating schedule of shifts, however, so operators do not consistently work nights or weekends. Top Textile machinery operators held about 277,000 jobs in 1998. Most extruding and forming machine operators were employed in chemical plants. North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina were the leading States in the employment of textile workers. Most of the remaining workers were employed in other southern States, California, and the Northeast.
Some mills prefer applicants to possess a high school diploma and additional technical training.
This training may be obtained, in part, at a formal training institution, such as a technical school. As the textile industry becomes more highly automated, some operators will need to understand complex machinery and be able to diagnose problems. Because textile machinery is increasingly controlled electronically, jobseekers will benefit from a basic knowledge of computers and electronics. Physical stamina and manual dexterity are important attributes for these jobs. In addition, self-direction and interpersonal skills are becoming important for textile machinery operators, as organizational changes that promote teamwork and encourage few levels of management are leading operators to assume increasing responsibility and to take initiative.