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Industrial Textiles Fabricator

Also known as Canvas Goods Maker.

Industrial textiles fabricators lay out, cut, assemble and repair products made of various textiles, including canvas and synthetic fabric.

They produce awnings, tents, annexes, tarpaulins, horse rugs, vehicle covers, shade cloths, bags, rucksacks, boat covers, banners, pool covers and yacht sails.

TASKS

Industrial textiles fabricators may perform the following tasks:

consult with customers to establish design specifications
produce patterns according to the specifications of technical drawings and designs
select, measure and mark out material
cut material to shape with shears or power cutters
set up and maintain industrial sewing machines
sew pieces of fabric together by hand or using light or industrial sewing machines
hem articles, inserting rope if required, and attach eyelets, grommets, zippers, buckles, straps and other fasteners
attach ropes to products using hand tools
treat material for water and rot proofing
operate high frequency and hot air welding equipment if handling PVC material
make and repair sails for yachts from canvas and synthetic materials

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
good hand-eye coordination
good concentration
enjoy working with numbers
understanding of design and structures

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Shade Sail Manufacturer and Installer - prepares and installs shade sail products to Australian standards and client needs.

Sailmaker - prepares and installs marine vessel sails.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an industrial textiles fabricator without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in textile fabrication. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become an industrial textiles fabricator through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Textile Fabrication.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 12.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Industrial textiles fabricators usually work in a factory environment. They may work for specialist fabrication enterprises such as sail lofts, shade cloth producers or manufacturers and repairers of canopies, blinds, awnings, tents, tarpaulins and other textile products. There are also opportunities for self-employment, which requires sales and customer service skills as well as technical skills. For roles involving the installation of industrial textiles, such as shade cloths, further training and licencing may be required.

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