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Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is the O*NET name for people who set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. The skills rated most useful are operations monitoring, operation and control, and speaking. A regular part of the work is to notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (6.5 of 7), then Conventional (4.3) and Enterprising, which gives it the code RCE. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking helping, teaching or caring for people.

What they do

Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.

Main tasks

  • Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
  • Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
  • Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
  • Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
  • Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
  • Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Speaking
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operations monitoring and operation and control.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCE takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Less than a High School Diploma. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Back Winder
  • Cable Operator
  • Computer Integrated Manufacturing Operator (CIM Operator)
  • Drawing Operator
  • Line Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.