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• “Student name: Alex Palmer Employer: De Montfort University Role: Technical dye instructor SDC course: FTCC and TCC Hi Alex, thanks for taking part in this interview! Firstly, how did you get started in the dyeing industry? I was a student at Loughborough University studying printed textiles. As part of that course I looked at dyeing and printmaking from a design point of view and learnt how to apply dyes – but not how or why they work. I then worked as a hosiery designer, a wallpaper colourist and textile screen printing tutor but started my current job teaching the processes of dyeing about 8 years ago. So, how did you find yourself enrolled on the colour education pathway with the SDC? I felt that although I could teach the students how to colour match and dye textiles, I didn’t really understand the reasons behind the results. I looked online and found the SDC and thought that these courses would be ideal for me. I was lucky enough to have the support from my workplace, so the university funded my FTCC qualification and now I’m just completing the 2nd year of the TCC, having had support from both the university and the Worshipful Company of Dyers, for that I’m very grateful. How did you find fitting in learning around working full time? Well, it’s been hard and I’ve had to put in the hours but I work in quite a supportive team – but I still needed to revise in the evenings and complete homework at weekends, to keep up with the course deadlines. Was the course content applicable to your role, and were you able to implement your learnings pretty quickly? The FTCC was very chemistry based which really helped to give me a grounding for the TCC – had I not studied that first year, I think I would have struggled in the TCC considering the last time I studied chemistry was 15 years ago! The TCC was when I felt more able to put my learnings into practice – the real nitty gritty of dyeing. I felt like I could problem solve more effectively, more confident to order new dyes into the department and to develop old processes that I had inherited. I also feel more confident to help masters and PhD students and I’ve definitely been able to expand in my role and remit. What is your favourite thing that you have learned about while studying on the colour education pathway? I really enjoyed the colour physics section of the TCC. Understanding how we perceive colour was really fascinating to me and not something I had really been taught before. How has earning while learning benefited you? This is a course that only really makes sense if you are able to apply what you are learning so I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for the job I’m employed in. Working in the dye lab and studying the FTCC and then TCC go hand in hand. And finally, what are your ambitions for the future? I’d like to think I could move on to the ASDC at some point but what I’ve learned so far has been absolutely invaluable. Whatever the future holds for me and coloration I’m much better equipped. I didn’t particularly enjoy chemistry at school, I preferred biology and physics, but I’ve surprised myself with what I’ve achieved.”

  Alex Palmer

• “Dyehouse apprentice Gemma Rudd, who works in Production Technical Support for Atkinson Dyeing in Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK, is nearing the end of her first year of study for the Textile Coloration Certificate (TCC) with the SDC. In our latest blog, she talks about her job, her studies, and her passion for the application of colour to fibre. What brought you into the dyeing industry? Before joining the dyeing industry I worked for a fast fashion company as their colour and fabric coordinator. As a part of my role, I created seasonal colour pallets with the design teams. It was my job to communicate colour information and standards within the business and also to external suppliers and dyehouses. This work involved very little technical colour knowledge, and left me at a disadvantage when wanting to communicate with suppliers and dyers. Being made redundant, due to the pandemic, gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate my career path and re-educate myself in what I’m truly passionate about – which is the application of colour to fibre. Studying with the SDC has allowed me to move from design into a technical role within the industry. How did you find out about qualifications at the SDC? Having come across the SDC during my time at university, I attended a speed mentoring event held by the London region before later joining the committee. My redundancy gave me the motivation to put myself forward for the FTCC. Following a an encouraging conversation with Andrew Filarowski, technical director at the SDC, I was certain that studying for the FTCC and then the SDC would be a positive step forward in my career. I later secured my new role with the technical team at Atkinson Dyeing – which is owned by A W Hainsworth. While working here I have continued my education with the SDC. How long have you been studying with the SDC? I have completed the FTCC and am now within the first year of the TCC. How do you find the learning environment – does this suit your learning style? Learning online gives me the flexibility to fit lectures around my role at Atkinson. This has allowed me to combine theory with practical learning on the job. Has the course content been applicable to your role? Have you been able to implement your learnings within your role? Yes the course content has been applicable to my role – and my learnings have helped me solve problems within the work place. What is your favourite/most useful/ mot enlightening thing that you have learned? The most enlightening thing I’ve learnt from the SDC and through my colleagues within the dyeing industry is that every problem can be solved through research and a willingness to learn. How has earning while you learn benefited you? It has allowed me to put my knowledge and learning into practice, resulting in a deeper understanding of my role within the team at Atkinson Dyeing. It has given me the confidence to work independently, knowing I have the knowledge to overcome any problems that arise. Has obtaining the qualification progressed your career so far? Studying for the FTCC and gaining the qualification made me stand out as a candidate when I was accepted for my current job. Knowing I had taken the initiative to improve my technical knowledge before joining the company gave them confidence in my willingness to progress with them. Currently studying for the TCC has further progressed my technical ability and confidence tremendously within my current role. How do you feel your qualification with the SDC has improved your career prospects? I feel my current qualifications with the SDC have improved my personal career prospects massively. It has given me a goal and a focus educationally – as well as providing a structure within my role. What are your ambitions for the future? I would like to go on to study the ASDC and would like to become a Chartered Colourist.”

  Gemma Rudd