ur new series of interviews — featuring students currently undertaking a qualification with the SDC — shines a light on what it’s like to train with us, and how course learnings can be applied in real-life situations.
Find out more about how our courses can fit around your current working life, as well as the potential boost it can offer to your career prospects.
Student name: James Blackburn
Employer: FTS Dyers, Langholm, Scotland
Role: Dyeing manager
SDC course: ASDC — achieved FTCC and TCC previously
Hi James, thanks for taking part in this interview! Firstly, how did you get started in the dyeing industry?
It was a bit of an accident really. When I was finishing school, I was thinking about heading to university. At the time, my headmaster knew the managing director at FTS and was aware that they were looking for an apprentice, so put me forward for the role. It seemed like an interesting job to me, so I thought I’d try it out – I am so glad that I did.
So, how did you find yourself enrolled on the colour education pathway with the SDC?
Our production manager, David Barton, was keen to educate young people in the science behind dyeing, to help secure the future of the industry. He was directly involved with the course consultation process for the FTCC and the TCC so it was a no-brainer that I would enrol on the FTCC when it started in 2012, and go from there.
I’ve been studying on and off with the SDC for almost eight years now, and have nearly finished my final year of the ASDC.
How did you find fitting in learning around working full time in the dyehouse?
The SDC deliver all the learning online, which was an absolute dream. I was able to fit this in so well not only with my work, but also my personal life.
In the first few years, there were set times to join the online lectures, but recently there has been a move to recording the lectures – so that you can watch them in your own time. This has allowed me to create an even more efficient work-life balance.
You do need to be strict with your time though for self-study. These are rigorous qualifications, so it’s essential to put the effort in. But nothing easy was ever worth having!
Was the course content applicable to your role, and were you able to implement your learnings pretty quickly?
The course content was extremely relevant to my job, especially when it came to understanding fibre types and chemical make-up of dyes — all the things I come across in my day-to-day on the shop floor.
With the FTCC — as this was a foundation course and I had little to no knowledge when I started — I was able to quickly get up to speed in my role. The TCC provided more detailed background knowledge that allowed me to understand exactly what was happening within a dyeing vessel.
Having the scientific knowledge behind the processes, and an understanding of why we do things in certain ways, was enlightening.
What is your favourite thing that you have learned about while studying on the colour education pathway?
I feel as if, outside of the industry, the expertise that goes into dyeing is not really understood. I really enjoyed learning about the chemical structures of dye and what they are made from, and I loved getting into the real nitty-gritty of the science behind my role — and the sector as a whole.
How has earning while learning benefited you?
As I started earning a wage straight out of school, I was able to quickly rent my own place, and now I’m in my mid-twenties I own my home. A lot of my peers who took the university route still live at home with their parents.
I’m also about to have a degree-equivalent qualification (ASDC) but without any student debt, which is a great position to be in. I’m ahead in my career too, given that I have been gaining industry experience whilst studying.
Do you feel as if your qualifications with the SDC have progressed your career?
I received a pay rise and a promotion each time I completed a course with the SDC, as my new knowledge and expertise added value to the business. After I completed the TCC, I was promoted to shift manager and now I am a dyeing manager, meaning that after the MD and production manager, I’m technically in charge!
How do you feel your qualifications with the SDC has improved your career prospects?
David, our production manager, always told us that when he gained his ASDC in 1984, this gave him a passport to work anywhere. He got the opportunity to spend time in South Africa working in a dyehouse there.
I feel the same way: my knowledge and expertise are in demand in the industry. Luckily, I’m very happy at FTS so I don’t plan on moving away — but knowing that I have these options available is a good feeling.
And finally, what are your ambitions for the future?
I am definitely going to apply for chartered colourist status, which I feel I will gain quite quickly as I will have 12 years’ experience by the time I apply.
I’m also planning on moving forward at FTS Dyers, building on where we are – and recovering from the pandemic over the next few years.
Thanks for sharing with us James!
Keep a lookout for our next instalment, in which we will be interviewing Laura Wood, technical manager at Wooltex UK.
25/11/2020