RITIN Careers
The Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network believes that textile research, design, manufacturing and support roles offer great career opportunities for those who live in the Ocean State. Maintaining a strong Rhode Island workforce is critical to the success of textile manufacturing, which is experiencing a state-wide need to replace retiring workers at all skill levels. The textile industry in Rhode Island is known for promoting and training talent from within, and few formal job training programs currently exist.
Textile companies in the state are working in the following markets: Aerospace, Apparel, Automotive, Construction, Consumer, Energy, Fabrics, Home Furnishings, Industrial, Marine, Medical, Military, Protective Apparel, Recreation, Soft Goods, and Technical Textiles.
In 2017, hourly and nonsupervisory textile mill workers on average earned 136% more than clothing store workers ($646 per week vs. $274) and received health care and pension benefits, according to the National Council of Textile Organizations.
Hear from textile employees about their career paths.
Searching for a Career in Manufacturing?
The RI Department of Labor and Training’s EmployRI features open positions, historical labor market data, a calendar of job fairs and other resources.
Looking to study textile design, merchandising, fabrication or manufacturing?
University Programs & Courses-Textiles
CCRI Textiles
RISD Textiles
University of Rhode Island Department of Textiles, Fashion, Merchandising and Design
University Programs & Courses-Manufacturing and Fabrication
CCRI Fast Track to CNC Manufacturing
IYRS
New England Institute of Technology
Apprenticeships and Workforce Programs for Manufacturing
Apprenticeship RI
Approved Career & Technical Education Pathways for High School Students
Composites Alliance Advanced Composites Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
I AM Manufacturing 2.0
Linked In Learning
Prepare RI
Real Jobs Rhode Island Job Training programs
We Make RI
Westerly Education Center
Community Workshops for Textiles Art, Design and Manufacturing
AS220 Fab Academy (Digital Fabrication)
AS220 Screen Printing
Coggeshall Farm Museum Fiber Festival
Copernicus STEAM Learning Lab
DesignXRI
FabNewport PVD Young Makers
IYRS Digital Modeling and Fabrication program
Knit One Quilt Too
Kreatelier
Mermaid’s Purl
Ocean State Maker Mill Classes
Ryco’s
Saunderstown Weaving School
Slater Mill
Space.URI (a Maker Space)
The Sew-Op
Tomaquag Museum
West Side Sewing Studio
Wood Items and More
Explore the history of the textiles in Rhode Island
Slater Mill
Museum of Work and Culture
Tomaquag Museum
The URI Historic Textile and Costume Collection
RISD Museum Costume and Textile Collection
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
