Apprenticeship: Yacht Rigging
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
As a yacht rigging apprentice, you’ll learn the skills to set up, maintain, and optimise the complex systems that control a yacht’s sails and mast. Rigging is where engineering precision meets hands-on problem-solving, and your work keeps vessels safe and performing at their best.
You’ll split your time between the workshop, the marina, and out on the water, inspecting and maintaining standing rigging, splicing ropes, setting up control systems and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll also measure and fabricate custom components, use specialised tools and work at height on masts.
Every project is different, and you could find yourself working anywhere in the world. One week you might be troubleshooting a furling system locally, the next you could be setting up high-performance racing gear abroad or traveling to refit a blue-water cruiser with an international crew or working locally on New Zealand’s many recreational yachts. By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have technical expertise, hands-on problem-solving skills, and the satisfaction of keeping vessels performing at their best and sailors safe on the water.
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 qualification in yacht rigging, you could pursue various career paths including: race rigging specialist, rigging inspector, workshop manager or positions with international racing and superyacht teams where your skills are in demand around the world.
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.