Connections Oct-Nov 2013 sample

SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC.

Vol 13 No 5 October • November 2013

Marine’s theabounds theme Excellence

Travelling the rate of knots Awards foratExcellence

raises the bar

Young Leaders RICKY RICHARDS structures Notches up threefor Super structures

decades in business worthy communities

New TENSION government, STRUCTURES newchallenges, mood Design

material rewards Cautious optimism

young leaders Women in textiles Showcase their expertise Hear us roar

the latest news from the sta office | new members | rtos & upcoming events

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Contents CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc.

by CommStrat Limited.

Publisher CommStrat Editor & WRITER Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au CONTRIBUTOR Daniel Halse

8 23

Design & production Annette Epifanidis annette@commstrat.com.au

27

COMMSTRAT

ABN 31 008 434 802

Level 8, 574 St Kilda Rd Melbourne Vic 3004 www.commstrat.com.au Specialised Textiles Association Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182 Phone: 03 9521 2114 Local call: 1300 555 787 Fax: 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.

18

30 ASSOCIATION MATTERS

MEMBERS’ CORNER

2

Report by STA President

6

Member news

4

STA office update

27

35

Women in textiles STA’s newest committee

STA welcomes its newest member: Canvas Barn

44

Quality Craft Coverings: Industry long timer

SPECIAL FEATURES

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 22

ASSOCIATION

subscriptions

44

MARINE BUSINESS 8

Marine trimmers, suppliers and trainers – what’s what in the industry

Eye-catching marine and motor themed entries

BUSINESS 39

New master at the helm Upswing in business confidence

NATURAL DISASTERS

RTOs and EVENTS

30

48

Industry involvement and response

Industry events and RTOs

To subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc GST annually contact Ruth Spiegel ruth.spiegel@commstrat.com.au

Special features in the next issue of Connections...

Geomembranes, Printing - flags and banners If you would like to be involved in any of these features by providing commentary or insights please contact the editor Nicola.card@commstrat.com.au

STA MATTERS

From the office of the President Tom Gastin It is four months now since I was given the

is only part of our lives and it helps if our

privilege of representing our members as

professional goals are aligned with our

important part of our goals at the STA

President of the STA … and the time has flown

personal goals.

and there is some positive news: thanks

by. My expectations of this role are a little

Industry representation is also an

With this ever changing climate, it is

to the great work by the Fabric Structures

different from reality and I am loving every bit

sometimes hard to plan 10+ years down

Committee, the STA has been approached

of it.

the track and I personally have found

to provide a representative on the

this challenging at times, but once I got

Standards Australia Committee TX-008.

The increased contact with other industry members has been enjoyable and full of

help with this externally, I realised that it

learnings. The challenges that businesses

is much easier and quicker to adjust an

to leverage off our strong history and

face in this industry are very consistent

existing plan rather than write a new one. It

knowledgeable membership base to

across the board but when goals are kicked,

appears that after speaking to many other

provide more of a voice where we can.

the sweetness tastes the same.

members that I am not alone.

Another thing that impresses me about

This representation gives us the ability

If there are some other key areas where

Our Association is no different; we are

you believe representation is required, let

our industry members is collaboration.

constantly evolving and must always be

us know and we can start working it in to

So many companies are working together

looking for improvement. At the end of the

our plans.

on projects. In an age where constant

day, we are here to help our members reach

assessment of resource management is

their goals and to support them through

magazine and I wish you and your

imperative, businesses are using other

to the finish line. Our Conference in mid

families all the very best for this last

companies for varied skill-sets. This

2014 will put an emphasis on education

quarter of the calendar year.

provides the ability to stay focused on what

and support through some key high profile

we are good at and provide cost effective

presenters – providing some wisdom and

excellence on other tasks that may have

knowledge to help us to continue moving

proved challenging in the past.

forward.

Support and relationships between suppliers and fabricators is just as imperative. I think the small size of our industry (relative to some others) really helps this come to fruition and helps to maintain these strong relationships in the long term.

But who knows what methods of business will work best in the future? I don’t think anyone can answer that question. However, one thing is for sure – Strategic Planning is key. More and more businesses are getting help with this too. Education, seminars and business coaches appear to be great investments in staying on track. Although sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, business 2 · CONNECTIONS

With this ever changing climate, it is sometimes hard to plan 10+ years down the track and I personally have found this challenging at times, but once I got help with this externally, I realised that it is much easier and quicker to adjust an existing plan rather than write a new one.

Enjoy your read of the Connections

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STA MATTERS STA Council of Management

STA report A few words from office manager Ana Drougas As an association, we rely heavily on the

member e-newsletters provide updates on

support of our members – not only for

each committee.

membership but also for insight, involvement

The Expo Organising Committee is one that

and an understanding on what and how they

is established every year with a new group of

would like STA to evolve.

members. This is because our annual expo is

Over the years, several committees have been established to focus on specific areas of interest

located in a different city every year and the knowledge of local members is invaluable.

in our member base. Some committees have

It is now time for us to start planning

been short lived as their purpose had a use by

the program for our conference and trade

date. Other committees have gone on strong

exhibition taking place Saturday 31 May to

and delivered some key messages and products

Monday 2 June 2014 in the Hunter Valley.

to the industry at large – and will continue to do so. All committees operate under a formal arrangement with STA’s Terms of Reference and

The main focus next year will be on the business sessions.

The Expo Organising Committee (EOC) will

their own specific objectives. Some have taken a

initially be working on setting the topics for

substantial amount of time to establish and find

the business sessions and sourcing relevant

their way and others have been ‘no brainers’.

industry specific speakers as well as high

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our members who have volunteered their

profile motivational speakers.

The program is expected to be released

time and worked tirelessly to get involved in or

early in 2014. In the meantime, bookings for

help establish a committee.

sponsorship and the exhibition component of

Many of you may not know the extent of the

Expo2014 – which will be open to visitors on

committees that make up STA, so allow me to

Monday June 1 and Tuesday June 2 2014 – are

remind you of these:

now open.

• Council of Management

If you are interested in becoming one of our

• Fabric Structures Committee

sponsors and/or exhibiting, please contact our

• Marine Fabricator Division

office for further details.

• Training Committee

In the meantime, I encourage you to HAVE

• Connections Editorial Committee

YOUR SAY ... about the direction of our

• Women in Textiles (read more about this

industry and association through involvement

committee on page 44) • Young Leaders Network (which is in the

on industry focused committees. Don’t see a committee that represents your key passion?

process of being formalised at the moment

Then don't let that stop you ... contact us at the

– read more about this in the next issue of

office to discuss the possibility of setting up a

Connections)

new committee.

• Expo Organising Committee In each issue of Connections, we will endeavour to update you on the efforts of each committee. For our members, the monthly 4 · CONNECTIONS

SPECIALISED TEXTILES Association Inc. Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Rd St Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114 Local Call: 1300 555 787 Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116 Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas Email: ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au President Tom Gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication 80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW 2061 Ph: 02 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: 02 9959 3158 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Email: tom@pattons.com.au COUNCILLORS David Burton Ricky Richards 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Ph: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 Mobile: 0419 277 711 Email: david.burton@rickyrichards.com.au Jamie Howard Total Shade Solutions 4 Aldinga St, Brendale QLD 4500 Ph: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: Jamie@totalshadesolutions.com.au Connie Hellyar OneLink Agencies 3 Toorak Close, Mollymook Beach NSW 2539 Ph: 02 4454 3101 Fax: 02 4454 3201 Mobile: 0404 086 158 connie@onelinkagencies.com.au www.onelinkagencies.com.au Glenn Barlow Positive Resolutions Pty Ltd 2/46 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton NSW 2170 Ph: 02 9723 9141 Fax: 02 728 3337 Mobile: 0409 273 284 Email: glenn@positiveresolutions.com.au Daniel Gollan HVG 46 Wodonga Street, Beverley SA 5009 Ph: 08 8348 6800 Fax: 08 8445 8455 Mobile: 0402 274 636 Email: dgollan@hvg.net.au Connections Magazine Advertising submissions: yuri@commstrat.com.au Ph: 03 8534 5008 Editorial: Nicola Card nicola.card@commstrat.com.au

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Member news

Rally to the cause In mid October brothers Mark and Paul Cook dressed up in blue furry

Ricky Richards welcomes new and returning staff

suits and set off on the inaugural Mystery Box Rally which raised funds for cancer research.

The name Mark Cook will be familiar to many STA members as he

Team Ricky Richards recently welcomed several newcomers to the team.

has been an active member for almost 14 years and is currently NSW Account Manager with Innova.

Mystery Box sourced the 50 registered, roadworthy cars which were

Alex Urweiss now heads up the Architectural Structure Fabrics team as Business

auctioned off one by one the night before the rally departs. Not quite

Development Manager. With over 19 years of

as simple as it sounds – it will involve 'blind bidding' for the mystery

technical sales experience, Alex will be working

vehicles. No peeking under the bonnet – nothing. Pot luck is what it

with shade sail and architectural structure

boiled down to.

customers throughout Australia. He’s already

Once the gun went off, it was the start of a five day, 3000 kilometre

met many customers and will be assisting

journey navigating some rough and rugged territory. Why mystery? It

them with his technical experience. Alex can

was only on the morning of each leg that the teams were presented

be contacted on 0468 328 304.

with the day’s route and destination.

Team Cookie Monsters received a significant donation from Innova

Wayne Taylor joined the Industrial Fabrics

and generous contributions flowed in from ABC Products and

team as NSW Account Manager. With

Tailwinds, while JustBCause kindly donated a rare, autographed ball

extensive experience in sales and new business

signed by the Australian A League All Stars which was raffled off to

development in the hardware and building

raise funds.

industries, he will work with customers

“We have had some exceptional generosity already from our industry” Mark said.

Described as a cross between Top Gear and Variety Bash, Mystery

throughout NSW. Wayne is said to be looking forward to forging strong relationships within the industry. Call Wayne on 0407 109 023.

Box teams tackled the wild open roads in the name of a cause. Did they have as good a time as Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and

Alex Bull is the newest addition to the

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Angela Couri has returned to Ricky Richards in the role of Sales Administrator. After a brief stint away trying a new career, Angela found that her heart remained with her Ricky Richards family and she was happily welcomed back. With sales and customer service skills and experience she is now assisting the industrial sales team with customer enquiries and requirements. Angela: 02 9735 3333 in the Sydney office. www.rickyrichards.com.au

6 · CONNECTIONS

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Marine

8 路 CONNECTIONS

marine FEATURE

masters

The creative craft of marine trimming is multi-faceted and is enjoying renewed focus among STA members with the formation of an active Marine Fabricator Division ably led by “captain” Neil Hancock. Here we put the spotlight on developments in all spheres – demand, materials, threads as well as training. By Nicola Card Attending boat shows and Expos to view

me” products but despite the creative and

cruisers and leisure craft sounds like a

flamboyant use of colour and design, I need to

toward the rear which weighs down that

pleasant means of spending a few days, but

be cognisant that the marine fabrics market

area and creates greater waves/wake for

for serial attendee Scott Gilbertson of Nolan.

remains predominately black and blue.”

the “wakesurfer”.

Wakeboard boat engines are positioned

UDA it’s strictly business. It’s all part of his

One big surprise at a recent boat expo was

research strategy, his means of navigating,

the amount of Wakeboard boats, clearly the

have created a brand new vocabulary, as

let’s say, the ropes of the marine industry. This

“younger persons” sport has boomed. “It’s

well as demand for colourful biminis.

includes trends and developments in covers

a loud sport that matches the consumer’s

and canopies, clear PVC and ancillaries such

personality, very adventurous, flamboyant

who has clocked up three decades in the

as threads, webbing and hardware.

and outdoorsy. They have big speakers and

industry - and in that time created well

sound systems on decks – it’s a real lifestyle

over 2000 boat covers of varying sizes and

sort of thing.”

types - said the wakeboat market was

Boat expos also provide the opportunity to quiz customers and exhibitors alike and to see what’s on show, and Scott told Connections

The adrenalin rush sport also appears to

Neil Hancock of Aussie Boat Covers

creating a colorful range of innovative

he’s constantly surprised by the influence of

Making a big splash

bimini tops which are seemingly suspended

fashion on textiles used in marine – colours,

For those who have not yet encountered

in mid air. Accompanying them were some

design and texture. But he takes it all with a

such, wakeboard boats are designed to create

“radical upholstery designs with even more

pinch of sea salt, let’s say.

a large, specially shaped wake to enable

radical vinyl choices”.

“I need to put what I see at trade shows

wakeboarders to ride atop a board and jump

Paul Baker of Quality Boat Coverings

into context … what’s on the showfloor for

from side to side, with fans admiring their

once owned a wakeboat but today his

consumers to see are the brightest “look at

aerial flips and tricks.

involvement extends to creating some of those biminis. “Fitted on the waketower they are a bit more specialised and each

Images courtesy of Nolan.UDA

project is unique as there is no set pattern.

A customer may want it 350mm higher or longer, or a different shape.

Much of the work is in redesign. With Sunbrella’s range of 50 colours there is no shortage of choice!

Paul added that the early 2000s marked the market entry of the sporty boats but “When about seven years ago the inland waters dried up there was a decline.”

Setting the trend Neil Hancock believes that Australian marine fabricators are setting trends without realising it, and are benefitting from improvements in materials, craft, and techniques. october • november 2013 · 9

marine FEATURE

“Choice of materials and availability is a huge improvement for all of us, and the ability of individual businesses to use them

but over time with wear and tear it can

put on under tension and heat is the

appear shabby.”

only way. It’s less of a problem in warmer

“The scratch resistant coating however

summer months.”

and develop a market leaves a lot of us

comes with some downsides; it is stiffer

behind, but that’s a good thing.

which makes it a lot harder to work with

boats and sometimes are seamed together;

to the point it cracks easily in winter. Some

however, the specially treated product cannot

embrace new products and develop quality

brands also have issues when exposed to

be welded due to protective coating.

manufacturing skills, then produce quality

sunscreen and ultra violet light, but on the

functional covers and upholstery that last

whole there are plenty of upsides.

“The biggest trend is the way our businesses

longer and stay stronger,” he said.

“Design is the key to developing trends and from the use of different fabrics, clears, vinyls, carpets and steel we are by far the

“This product is only just becoming more

superior resistance to the aging affects of UV rays; “unrivalled” transparency; a surface

A comparable and similar scratch resistant

marine trimmer.

and also Aaron Stroud of Canvas Barn who

implementable techniques that the rest of us study and copy to try to improve our industry.

What are some of these new products and developments?

in all atmospheric conditions. Tech specs:

boats because of the price point.” product is Strataglass, used by Paul Baker

“Those businesses that embrace new

Aaron Stroud added that Strataglass® provides perfect vision from all angles and

common and is seen mostly in high end

world’s trend setters,” said the award winning

products lead the way because they develop

These are used for enclosures on fly bridge

declare customers want all-round clarity with clears.

“We use Strataglass which has a coating

coating that prevents buildup of dirt, waterflow marks and yellowing.

Solution dyed polyester fabrics Scott also revealed that during the past

either side to make it scratch resistant;

two years solution dyed polyester fabrics

however, it is harder to work with in colder

have appeared on the market as a viable

climates. In winter I have to use heaters

alternative to marine canopies.

[on the sheet measuring 1250 by 2450 mm]

The Mariner hooding features a PVC surface

Material advances

which soften it down when we install them

with a polyester underside and is typically

To find out more, we approached marine

on site on cruisers. At that stage it looks a bit

used on leisure craft. It is 100% waterproof

market expert Scott Gilbertson who

limp but once they are on and the heater is

and very serviceable. The most common

highlighted recent improvements for marine

off it goes back to the original [consistency].

product type used in marine canopies and

trimmers: the width of materials destined

He added that if heaters are not used

covers is solution dyed acrylic canvas. It

for use as canopies and covers. A wider span

during cold installations, once the sun comes

features a classy, warm textured look with

means fewer joins, fast fabrication time and

out the Strataglass would sag. “It needs to be

exceptional UV resistance.

reduces chance of leakage.

And where vinyl was once destined as the only option for outdoor applications, advances in technology have led to the use of Sunbrella solution dyed acrylic seating fabrics, a stylish woven outdoor fabric that might have only been seen previously in domestic homes.

Scott went on to explain the three levels of clear PVC: the (good quality) calendared product used for trailer boats and fishing and the (better quality) extruded manufacture, a step up in terms of clarity due to a different finish.

Top of the tree however is pressed polished PVC whereby during manufacture the clear PVC is pressed together under heat and pressure to produce a perfectly smooth surface which provides exceptional clarity.

This product type is generally used on luxury boat enclosures.

“In recent years there have been developments in scratch resistant finishes.

Clear PVC looks great when it’s brand new 10 · CONNECTIONS

“There are enough units of competency in the textile fabrication course that would cover a marine trimmer satisfactorily…

Neil Hancock and I agree we could probably train a marine trimmer using that course, with students graduating as a textile fabricator/marine trimmer.”

Lawrence De Paoli

“The advantage of solution dyed polyester is strength to weight ratio on vessels which may require up to 40sqm of canopy. Despite

acrylic at 320gsm while Mariner hooding is

“The progression in technology has been in the field of polymers … they are higher in specifications from a UV perspective.”

quite a bit heftier at 625gsm.

Scott Gilbertson

the obvious advantages, these coverings do not cost more, and are more easily stored on board in compartments when the boat is in use,” Scott explained.

Tech specs: Surlast weighs in at 240gsm,

Paul Baker said that used for exterior covers, solution dye polyester fabrics which are still in the early stages are very Because PTFE thread won’t break down

lightweight and easier to stow away, but

will last a lot longer and can be typically

being very thin customers are not convinced

treated with an anti-mildew treatment

under UV light, it tends to come with a 10-15

they are strong despite them being more

and protective lacquers providing an easy

year warranty, but costs four to five times

robust than older thicker vinyls. But it is hard

maintenance finish.”

that of more traditional threads “However the overall cost of thread is a small

to work with, being a new product we are just

Scott says that technical advances in

experimenting in-house for example backing

the field of polymers have also benefited

component; the stitching on a five thousand

off tension, and using different sized needles.

ancillary products used by marine trimmers

dollar boat canopy by way of example might

such as webbings and threads, with higher

feature just three dollars of PTFE thread, so it’s

quality yarn lasting longer.

a relatively minuscule amount.

necessarily become more robust however the

Spinning a little yarn

recognising the benefits [of PTFE] and it

progression in technology has been in the

Scott described PTFE thread as a very inert

gives trimmers and fabricators a sales pitch

field of polymers in that they are higher in

material which boasts greater lifespan and

to consumers.”

specifications from a UV perspective.

demand is increasing in marine applications

Manufacturers do, however, provide guide sheets.

“The market is shifting, people are

According to Scott materials have not

“When exposed to the harsh Australian elements, most canopy fabrics nowadays

One relative newcomer to the Australian

such as marine canopies, outdoor shade sails

market is SolarFix which is an established

and awnings.

brand used extensively in the U.S. This PTFE

Market trends and demands Marine trimmers could well be benefitting from the relatively flat market for shiny new boats.

In Scott Gilberton’s observation, rather than taper off or rise, sales into the marine sector have been ‘steady as she goes’ but he says the flat lining is out of synch with the relatively flat economy, in which product demand in many market segments is tapering off significantly.

“When times are tough people are generally happier to spend more money on improvements to their existing boat, buy new clears etc, rather than trade in and up.

“So the new market suffers but the aftermarket and marine trimmers generally benefit.”

In other observations, Scott notes over the past five years many trimmers have set up mobile workshops, equipping their trucks with sewing machines, workbench and kit in back which saves costly rent at a high profile marina, while still providing good customer service. A majority still have permanent workshops but the trend may continue if commercial rent continues to soar.

What else has trended? Consumers have been more conscious of warranties and more demanding of product performance, they have high expectations. “People work so hard for their money and they expect top notch premium quality products and workmanship which is supported with healthy warranties,” Scott said.

october • november 2013 · 11

marine FEATURE

thread which is said to last for years and will resist degradation even when exposed to extreme weather conditions, UV light and chemical attack.

Clearly there are many materials and techniques to master.

Marine fabricator workshops Lawrence De Paoli of Sydney TAFE agrees.

“Little things have changed,” he says “Things such as materials, a few improvements created to boost quality and efficiency, often at an individual level.

“Each [expert trimmer] has developed their own techniques that work best for them, and spend a lot of time and energy and money making these work and count. I have watched Dave Elliott at work, he has created a monster / raised the bar / and everything has to be at a certain level.

Image by Nicola Card

“Neil Hancock is in the same boat, they have all developed their techniques but there is no standard that has been developed that everyone works toward.”

Lawrence described the workshop as

“Today for example trimmers seek

Hence the “Neil and Dave show”

“excellent - it was hands on and covered all the

information on front clears and the different

In conjunction with Sydney TAFE Neil

nitty gritty details of marine fabrication”.

types of PVC used. They also want to discuss

Hancock has instigated specialist marine

Similar marine fabrication courses are

labour costs, in particular how to calculate an

fabricator workshops with renowned industry

planned across the country, with lead trainers

hourly rate, it is a contentious issue among

colleague Dave Elliott of David’s Custom

Neil Hancock, Dave Elliott and Lawrence de Paoli

business owners,” Lawrence said.

Trimmers in Brisbane.

tailoring courses according to industry needs.

Neil concurs but took it further, saying: “By far the biggest hurdle in my opinion is

Aussie Boats

business management and education, and

During his three decades in the industry the industrious award winning trimmer Neil Hancock has created more than 2000 boat covers for many types of sea going vessels, ranging from a 300 foot cruise liner to the HMAS Warrnambool “and lots of smaller stuff in between”.

our recent [marine fabricator] workshop we

His business Aussie Boat Covers designs, manufactures and installs various boat covers, bimini tops, spray dodgers, boat carpets and teak decking. To say nothing of marine upholstery … services include custom re-upholstering, boat seats, restoration of original design, V-Berth cushions, dinette cushions, bow and sun deck cushions, saloon cushions and backs, stateroom cushions, head liners and hull liners.

Neil’s productive work is recognised as aesthetically appealing and strong, high standard and functional. He says “It’s always a great feeling getting the go ahead on a full set of covers on a brand new million dollar vessel … then start drilling lots and lots of holes in it!”

maybe both can be resolved together. At discussed the prospect of more time in a classroom environment to learn more about current business requirements, such as education, insurance and OHS, as well as sales and marketing.

When we asked Neil about technical skills and aptitudes in demand within the industry he stated the most important quality any person has is their desire to learn and improve whatever skills they posses.

He added that: “Unfortunately not all

One of his more challenging tasks was fitting top deck side curtains to a cruise liner used as a restaurant-come-retreat down at Westernport Marina.

fabricators appreciate that changing

“The metal hull was very old and fatigued which meant drilling it was very difficult plus the clears had to fit to the outside of the deck with no walk around deck, not to mention the weather.

at a cost and that cost must be factored into

“The job was completed way above budget but it did lead to upholstery works and referrals which didn’t cover the overrun but the lessons learnt helped me develop better quoting skills!”

12 · CONNECTIONS

techniques and using different products come your business expenses.

(See related article ‘The top six challenges faced by Marine micro businesses’ by Daniel Halse on page 36.)

> 16

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marine FEATURE

Skills training and transfer of skills Neil’s goal is the formation of an apprenticeship dedicated to marine fabricators, but in the meantime apprenticeships are available in vehicle

all using the same fabric making something

are the three areas of marine trimming. They

trimming, upholstery and textiles fabrication

similar but different.

also learn how to recover seats and to recarpet

and each has commendable units that marine fabricators can use.

Lawrence De Paoli explained that relevant apprenticeship training courses are

“The link between the sailmaking, marine

vehicles.

“Those skills can fairly easily be transferred

predominantly motor upholstery trimming

to marine trimming for boats. In general

and motor trimming industries are textiles,

with some marine elements covering

students do gain a reasonable amount of skills

tasks revolving around a sewing machine, all

competency and skills in marine covers and

that can be transferred from a car to a boat;

with generic design skills and very hands- on

structures, canopies and side clears which

however, the course is more geared to cars than boats.”

“Motor and marine trimming trades follow a similar path in that apprentices pick up skills following more experienced colleagues, and knowledge is supplemented by registered training providers. Four years on and the apprentice is classified a tradesman, after which they may choose to branch out.

SP36 Pedestal

Digital Graphics Triad

“There are enough units of competency in the textile fabrication course that would

Austech Welders are proud to announce being appointed as the Australian distributor for the Smartseal

by Seamtek range of hot air welders and seam tapers.

SP36 Side Arm

Seamtek are industry leaders in rotary hot air welding and seam sealing. Their welders/tapers feature Smartseal digital control technology. As the first rotary hot air welder to use a touch screen controlled PLC (a standard feature for over 10 years) the Seamtek welder/taper makes it easy for the operator to control on the fly speed adjustments and differential wheel speeds, repeat complex shape patterns and precisely control production variables.

cover a marine trimmer satisfactorily, so they would not have to go and learn about the motor vehicle side of operations. Neil Hancock and I agree we could probably train a marine trimmer using the textile fabrication course, so students graduate as a textile fabricator/ marine trimmer.

“If that is the approach that the employer

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SP36 Quick Arm

Austech Welders Pty Ltd Managing Director — Greg Schmidt Ph: 0418 771 600 Fx: (08) 9498 3015 Email: info@austechwelders.com

www.austechwelders.com NSW Rep – Robin Pethybridge Ph: 0413 744 315 Email: gosew@optusnet.com.au Vic Rep – Mick Jewel Ph: 0417 352 130

work well. It does limit the bloke – they could not say they were a motor/auto trimmer, this is a technicality some people will not get.”

Marine trimmers will be interested to learn

For ease of use and the ability to change from one type of weld to another quickly and easily nothing beats the SP range of welders. The one welder can be configured with a pedestal, side arm and quick arm. The operator can change between these by simply swinging one out of the way and swinging the new one into place.

For more information on the new Seamtek call Greg on 0418 771 600.

and apprentice want to pursue that would

that the new automotive course training package AUR 12 (Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package title) replaces AUR 30805.

According to Lawrence it’s a step in the right direction as it now addresses issues involving

Acrylic Triad

hybrid vehicles and charging/discharging batteries, noting that today’s boats feature a range of on board electrics and AUR 12 addresses many issues facing motor trimmers.

It is generally accepted that motor trimmers have to be more finicky, fussy and precise handling all intricate bits and pieces and to produce a neat outcome. For these reasons if a motor trimmer was out of work he or she would be snapped up immediately by a canvas shop.

16 · CONNECTIONS

Melbourne 03 8480 0800

Sydney 02 9832 7000

Brisbane 07 3808 7277

Gold Coast 07 5593 8288

Adelaide 08 8277 7733

Perth 08 9244 4433