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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Karloo (Sand)
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Sheba
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Koonunga (Green)
Domino (Black)
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Jazzberry (Purple)
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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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.)
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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
6 inch Pole Pocket Triad
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.
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Gold Coast 07 5593 8288
Adelaide 08 8277 7733
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