Textile, Footwear and Clothing Mechanics usually work shifts. They will generally work in a factory environment such as a spinning or weaving mill, shoe or clothing factory. The environment will usually be well lit, but may be noisy, oily and dusty with high volumes of active machinery and people. Some of the paints and dyes used in textiles, clothing and footwear may be both noxious and flammable.

A Textile, Footwear and Clothing Mechanic may use: spanners; wrenches; Allen keys; screw drivers; vernier and calliper gauges; taps and dies; assorted drifts, punches and chisels; hammers; drills; pullers and extractors and diagnostic tools, such as ammeter/voltmeter. Compressors may be used to power machines and air tools to minimise risk of fire.