Additional Information
In spite of the reported decline in the North American textile industry,
you may find yourself inspired by the prospect of creating colors each day.
It's what textile color chemists do. If that's the case, you will want to
begin your preparations in high school.
"There is no doubt that chemistry, physics and math are the most important
areas," says David Hinks. He is an assistant professor in the college of textiles
at North Carolina State University. "If I were to redo my education again,
I would definitely want to take Spanish or another common foreign language,
irrespective of what career I might end up in!"
Learning a foreign language is a good idea. That's because many dye house
employees are immigrants.
"They would have to take the science side of things, maths, physics [and]
chemistry," adds dye house manager Liz Hodgkinson. "Geography and history
won't help you much in this job."
A bachelor's degree in science, chemistry or a related area is a minimum
requirement. Many programs are offered in the eastern part of the U.S. One
example is the program at North Carolina State University.