Beamer

Beamers are mainly responsible for loading yarns onto the reels (or beams) of textile weaving machines. Beamers are usually employed by clothing or furnishing manufacturers or carpet manufacturers.

What does a beamer do?

Beamers are involved in setting up the machines according to the production instructions, working out the correct quantity of yarn needed for each job, checking the yarns for defects and knots and recording the number of yarn breaks.

In some companies, a beamer will also be responsible for moving the loaded beams around the factory and fitting them to different machines using a forklift or boom truck.

The salary of a beamer

The starting salary for a beamer can be around £13,000 a year. This could rise to around £17,000 a year with experience.

Hours and working environment

Beamers are expected to work between 35 and 40 hours a week, which is often split into a shift pattern.
A beamer will usually work in a factory environment, spending most of their time on their feet. As a beamer is required to load and monitor the machines, a good level of general health and fitness is required.

Skills and interests

To have a career as a beamer, it is useful to possess some of the following skills and interests:
·      to be good at practical tasks and have good problem-solving skills
·      to be able to follow set instructions and work well alone or as part of a team
·      have good numeracy skills and the ability to carry out repetitive tasks

Entry into a career as a beamer

There are no formal entry requirements to become a beamer and it is usual to be trained on the job. Previous experience of forklift work may be an advantage, although training would be provided.

It may be possible to gain access to a career as a beamer by becoming an apprentice. For more information on apprenticeships, visit the apprenticeship website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Further training to develop a career as a beamer

It may be possible for those employed in this area to work towards any of the following qualifications in manufacturing textiles to progress their career:

·      City and Guilds Level 1 Award
·      City and Guilds Level 2 Award
·      City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate
·      City and Guilds Level 3 NVQ

These qualifications will cover all aspects of the job, including: equipment monitoring, checking raw materials, quality control and health and safety.

Those involved in distribution can also work toward an NVQ Level 1 or 2 in warehousing and storage operations.

Opportunities for those working as a beamer

Most opportunities for beamers will be with small and medium-sized carpet manufacturers based in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North and South West regions.

Workers who are multi-skilled at operating different machines are in high demand. With further training it may be possible to progress into a career as a textile technician, who is responsible for machine maintenance. Opportunities may also be available in supervisory and management roles.

By Skillfast