Occupation Description
Textiles fabricators lay out, cut, assemble and repair products made of various textiles such as canvas and synthetic fabric. They might produce awnings, tents, annexes, tarpaulins, horse rugs, vehicle covers, shade cloths, bags, rucksacks, boat covers, banners, pool covers and yacht sails.
Textiles fabricators may…
Personal Requirements
You should
Environment
Textiles fabricators will usually work in a factory environment, although they might also work in specialist fabrication enterprises such as sail lofts, shade cloth producers or other canopy and cover manufacturers. Some choose to start their own business, some of which operate on a mobile basis. Business success in textile fabrication, like all enterprises, depends as much on sales skills and customer service as on craft skills, and therefore some business skills training might be of benefit. There can also be considerable costs involved.
Training
You can sometimes work as a textiles fabricator without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a textiles fabrication operator or assistant patternmaker you will usually have to complete a Certificate II in Textile Fabrication.
With experience, and possibly some further training, textiles fabrication workers can become a textile fabrication tradesperson or a patternmaker . You will usually require a Certificate III in Textile Fabrication
Of course you can work at even higher levels within this sector, and with further training and experience you can continue to progress along a career pathway that could see you progress to many technology occupations and also senior management positions.
Certificate II in Textile Fabrication
Certificate III in Textile Fabrication
Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects
For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .
Printed Resources
The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).
Where Can I Go From This Job?
To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.
