L3 Certificate, Industrial & Advanced Textiles apprenticeships

About the course

New Zealand Certificate in Industrial Textile Fabrication and Trimming (Level 3)

New Zealand Certificate in industrial Textile Fabrication (Level 3 & 4)

New Zealand Certificate in Advanced Textiles (Level 4) with strands in Industrial Textiles Fabrication, and Industrial Trimming

From sunshades to stadium roofs, boat covers, marine upholstery, car interiors, gym mats, and even movie props – industrial textile products are everywhere! This isn't just fabric; it's engineered material that shapes the world around us.

Fabrication and Trimming are the core skills of industrial textiles. Fabrication involves cutting, shaping, joining and assembling textiles into finished products—from textile welding seams on massive architectural awnings to stitching reinforced panels for boat covers. Trimming is the skilled craft of adding finishing touches and functional details like zippers, eyelets, bindings, straps and edging that ensure products are both durable and professionally finished.

As a specialised trade, industrial and advanced textiles blend innovation, precision, creativity and craftsmanship – all with great career potential. Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the industry and want to formalise your skills, there’s a clear pathway to grow your expertise and advance your career. Begin with foundational training, progress into hands-on apprenticeship learning, and keep developing toward specialist or leadership roles – every step bringing you closer to mastering your trade.

There are three career pathways you can explore:

• Level 3 Certificate: Entry-level training designed to help you succeed in the workplace — giving you the confidence to grow in your role and prepare for further study at Level 4.
• Level 3 & 4: A combined apprenticeship and pathway to a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll develop advanced skills in trimming or fabrication, design and problem-solving through structured training that combines both theory and practical learning to become a qualified trade professional.
• Level 4 Advanced Textiles Apprenticeship: If you’ve completed the Level 3 Certificate, you can step up to the Level 4 apprenticeship. This programme builds on your skills, involves more complex projects and works toward a full trade qualification.

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

When qualified, career pathways in industrial and advanced textiles can lead to roles such as fabric technician or specialist in design, production and quality control – with opportunities to progress into supervisory, management, or custom fabrication positions across a range of industries including trimming for cars, boats, saddlery or outside shade cloths.

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.