What textile coloration skills are the most in-demand and difficult to find?

Qualified and experienced coloration specialists are increasingly few and far between.  Owners and managers the world over know that recruiting people to such positions is easier said than done.

And lucky employers who can count versatile colour scientists on their payroll will do their utmost to hang onto these prized personnel.

This situation spans the whole domain of dyeing, printing, and laboratory work – but some skills are even trickier to find than others.

As part of our recent SDC Skills Survey 2021 we asked over 100 respondents in several countries: “What textile coloration skills are the most in-demand and difficult to find?”

 Where are all the colour chemists?

A total of 71% of industry insiders taking part in our survey reported an international shortage of knowledgeable textile coloration professionals – and more than half (55%) felt it was difficult to find new recruits with experience and skills that were transferrable between companies and processes.

So, the top answer to this question was qualified colour chemists, with a breadth of scientific skills. Colour matching skills – particularly in relation to bulk goods – are also much sought after in many global locations.

Workers with an in-depth understanding of dyes and their suitability are also thin on the ground, as well as those specialists with the ability to analyse and problem solve, carry out research and development — and drive innovation within the industry.

Why has this situation developed?

 So why is the global textile dyeing industry finding itself in this position – with a lack of good people coming through the ranks?

That’s a complex question centring on fewer school and university leavers actively choosing coloration as a career route, and mixed levels of ongoing, on the job, education made available.

While technicians trained by colleagues in more rudimentary elements of dyeing will be able to keep machines running and established processes moving, it takes deeper knowledge to fix problems, respond to new briefs or innovate fresh ways of doing things.

This more robust understanding comes only through formal education – ideally through an ‘earn while you learn’ scenario in which new skills can be instantly and constantly applied and built upon further.

 What should happen next?

Business, the education sector and governments all have a role to play in reversing this situation before skills are lost and production severely hampered.

There are two key tasks here. The first is to show the world what a great calling dyeing and coloration can be. Any and all opportunities must be taken to promote our industry and the career paths available.

Secondly, those career paths must be as clear as possible, with step-by-step chances for scientists to progress, earn more and gain status. This is all easier said than done, of course, but this global challenge starts here.

The Society of Dyers and Colourists offers internationally-recognised qualifications in the science of textile coloration — from beginner courses to degree-level professional certification.