Apprenticeship: Spar Making
Course details
| NZQF Level | 4 |
|---|
About the course
About the course
New Zealand Certificate in Yacht Rig Structures (Level 4) with strands in Rigging, Composite Spar Making, Metal Spar Making, and Composite Sail Making
If you’re interested in high-tech manufacturing and building components that are both incredibly strong and lightweight, composite or metal spar (masts) making could be your ideal trade. Spar makers create the structural backbone of high-performance yachts and racing boats — precision-engineered parts made by layering advanced materials such as carbon fibre or lightweight aluminium to achieve maximum strength with minimal weight depending on customer requirements.
Working alongside experienced technicians, you’ll learn to prepare and cut materials accurately. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how different materials combine to deliver the exact strength and performance required for competitive sailing and high-performance vessels – becoming part of a specialised trade at the forefront of New Zealand’s marine industry, where the components you create help vessels perform at world-class levels.
As a work-based apprenticeship, you can earn while you learn. You'll need to be employed in the industry to train on the job as you work toward your trade qualification, and MAST Academy supports you throughout with a dedicated Training Advisor. Not sure where to start? MAST can help with career pathway advice, pre-trade training, or our
Launch it – School to Work programme.
Career Options
With a spar making qualification and experience, you could also progress into supervisory roles leading composite teams, or advance to production management positions co-ordinating complex build schedules and quality assurance across multiple projects.
Entry requirements
Applicants must have legal eligibility to study in New Zealand (immigration status verified), be currently employed in a relevant sector, be at least 16 years of age and meet English language requirements.
About the provider
MAST Academy is New Zealand's leading training provider in marine, composites and specialised technologies. Our strength lies in strong industry connections, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to positive learner outcomes – empowering apprentices and learners to thrive in their chosen careers.