‘Associateship of the SDC is a world-wide recognised degree-comparable qualification’

David Barton CCol, Production Director at yarn dyers FTS Dyers in Langholm, Scotland, talks to us about how ASDC qualifications help in the industry.

Hi David thanks for taking part in our Q&A. Tell us about your role. when did you start? What does it involve and what do you enjoy about it the most? 

I started with FTS Dyers 1989 and over three decades later I’m still there!  I manage the day to day running of the commission dyehouse.  I enjoy new developments the most, being able to embrace them and bring them to a conclusion.

How important is SDC colour education – in particular the BSc (hons) degree-comparable ASDC – in your workplace? What part does it play? 

An SDC education allows us to attract young enthusiastic people into the industry, as they can learn the science behind the actual daily work they do, so gaining a world-wide recognised degree-comparable qualification while earning money.

Can you give examples of when SDC education has benefited the organisation’s day-to-day operations? 

Our two most recent ASDC graduates have been now promoted into positions vacated by retirements, offering seamless progression for the organisation.

Who is in SDC education at your workplace, or completed a qualification with the SDC recently, and how is this developing their professional capabilities? 

Alistair Little, James Blackburn, Kieran Green.  As above, Alistair and James have taken on senior management roles, and Kieran is now starting to take on some of their duties to free them up, allowing them to further develop their capabilities. These include technical development within the dyehouse and customer contact.

As someone who helps more junior members of the team develop their skillsets, can you share a piece of advice or insight that you would offer to colleagues? 

You need to have patience and take time to explain things in a methodical way.

 Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!