Apprenticeship: Composite Sail Making

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

As a sailmaker apprentice, you’ll work in a sail loft – a busy workshop where sails are designed, cut, stitched, and assembled before heading out onto the water.

Sailmaking is a unique blend of hands-on craftsmanship and modern technology. You’ll gain practical experience using industrial sewing machines to join panels with precision and strength, while working with advanced synthetic and high-performance materials to understand how each behaves in different conditions. You’ll also use cutting tables, rotary cutters, and computer-controlled cutting machines to produce accurate sail panels, as well as hardware tools to install battens, grommets, and slides. Alongside this, you’ll build your understanding of aerodynamics, learn to follow technical specifications, and develop the skills needed to craft sails that perform flawlessly in real sailing conditions.

No two days are the same. You might spend your morning measuring a boat and planning with the team, then move to the cutting table to prepare panels. Afternoons could see you at an industrial sewing machine assembling sails, hand-finishing edges, or installing hardware. Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain hands-on skills in maintenance and repair, problem-solving experience, and technical know-how – giving you the chance to design, build, and maintain sails that keep vessels performing at their best.

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 sailmaking qualification, you could progress to managing a sail loft, advising clients as a technical consultant, or focusing on sail design and quality assurance.

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.

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.