Job Title: Trainee Sewing Machinist
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 7am – 3.30pm, with a 30-minute unpaid break and 7am – 12.30pm on a Friday.
Band 1 Basic - £12.71 per hour
About Us:
AW Hainsworth is a historic and prestigious textile manufacturer, weaving iconic fabrics for the Royal Household, top designers such as Balenciaga, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior, as well as stage and screen productions including Harry Potter and Thor’s Cape. Since 1783, we have created textiles that celebrate Great Britain, from the scarlet of the Royal Guards to ceremonial uniforms of the Royal Family.
Our Pudsey site produces a wide range of woollen textile products, including blankets, uniforms, and specialty fabrics, for a global clientele. We pride ourselves on a supportive, team-focused working environment with excellent transport links and on-site facilities.
About the role:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our fast-paced Conversion Department, specialising in sewing and finishing blankets, throws, coffins, and other textile products for premium customers, including John Lewis.
This role combines industrial sewing and fabric finishing, giving you exposure to mechanical finishing, quality inspection, and specialist sewing operations. As part of your development, the successful candidate will also complete a Level 2 Sewing Machinist qualification, supported by the company.
Key Responsibilities:
Conversion / Sewing Tasks:
- Select and process blankets according to specifications.
- Bind blankets using satin or silk bindings on industrial machines.
- Whip blankets with wool or cotton yarn, using whipping and overlocking machines.
- Label, fold, and prepare completed blankets for final processing.
- Assist with cutting, bagging, or tearing blankets/throws as required.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping in the department.
Fabric Finishing / Inspection Tasks:
- Operate fabric finishing machinery to brush, raise, and turn products.
- Conduct visual inspections of fabrics.
- Record inspection results accurately using in-house systems or Excel.
- Collaborate with Production and Technical teams to troubleshoot issues and meet deadlines.
- Assist colleagues across conversion and finishing areas as needed.
About You:
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Passionate about learning a craft and developing practical skills.
- Enjoy working with textiles, with a natural attention to detail.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude and willing to contribute ideas.
- Reliable, eager to learn, and committed to building a career in manufacturing.
Benefits of Working at AW Hainsworth:
- Holidays – 30 days including bank holidays
- Company Performance Related Bonus
- Simply Health Cash Plan (dental, optical, physio, etc.)
- Life Assurance
- Salary Sacrifice Benefits – Payment with Metro Cards
- Matched Pension Scheme
- Discounted Blanket Sales
- Commitment to Training & Development, including Level 2 Sewing Machinist qualification
Health and Wellbeing Benefits:
- Onsite Counselling and Wellbeing Support
- Employee Engagement Events/Food Events
- Annual flu jabs
Send your CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role. AW Hainsworth is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
