Want to work in the textiles industry? Watch this!

Summary

The video script highlights the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the textile fabrication industry, emphasizing the creative and hands-on nature of the work. It addresses the current skill shortage and encourages young people to consider this trade, which offers on-the-job training and formal qualifications. The script shares personal success stories, showcasing career progression from apprentice to business partner, and highlights the industry's tight-knit culture. It positions the trade as an ideal fit for creative, hands-on individuals seeking a mentally stimulating and financially independent career.

Takeaways

• 😀 The trade is exciting for young people as it offers a variety of work beyond just sewing or cutting fabric.
• 🏭 It encompasses areas like shading sails, awnings, industrial canopies, and marine terminal work, involving hands-on machinery and design.
• 💡 The work is custom and creative, with individuals designing their projects from scratch, seeing them come to life from fabric to finished product.
• 📈 There is a skill shortage in the textile fabricating industry, with employers seeking young and keen individuals.
• 📍 Many young people are unaware of the industry, assuming everything is imported, while a lot is still made in Australia.
• 🛠️ The trade offers various career pathways post-apprenticeship, including production management and even becoming a business shareholder or director.
• 👷‍♂️ No prior experience is needed for this trade, with on-the-job training and formal qualifications available.
• 👥 The industry is tight-knit and has a culture that keeps people connected and inspired.
• 🔧 The speaker's personal journey started with general work and evolved into an apprenticeship, leading to various roles including becoming a business partner.
• 👐 The trade is suitable for young people who are hands-on, creative, and enjoy problem-solving through building and designing.
• 💼 The industry offers financial independence and has a positive impact on personal growth and lifestyle.

Q & A

What is the scope of work for a young person in the textile fabric industry?

The scope of work is varied, including shading sails, awnings, industrial canopies for 4WDs and off-road caravans, and marine applications. It involves hands-on machinery work, design, and computer-aided design output.

What makes the training in this trade unique?

The training is unique because it allows for creativity and innovation; trainees are not just told what to build but are encouraged to design and think of their creations, seeing them come to life from raw materials.

How does the speaker describe the process of seeing a project from start to finish?

The speaker compares it to the surprise of Christmas Day, where the final product is unveiled and assessed, much like a present being unwrapped and revealed.

What is the current state of the textile fabricator market in terms of workforce?

The market is experiencing a skill shortage with gaps everywhere, and there is a lack of awareness among young people about the industry, leading to an aging population in the field.

Why do employers in the textile industry want to attract young people?

Employers want to attract young people to fill the skill shortage and to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the industry, as many products are still made in Australia.

What career pathways are available for an apprentice in the textile trade after qualification?

Apprentices can progress to various roles within the company, including production management, general management, and even becoming a shareholder or director of the business.

What kind of prior experience is needed for someone entering the textile trade?

No prior experience is needed as there is on-the-job training available along with formal qualifications through TAFE colleges.

How does the industry maintain a tight-knit culture and keep people inspired?

The industry is described as very tight-knit, with a culture that keeps people connected and inspired, offering a supportive environment for growth and learning.

Can you share a personal story from the transcript about career progression in the textile trade?

The speaker shares a story of starting as a general hand, then becoming an apprentice, working as a carpenter, returning to the business as a production manager, training apprentices, and eventually becoming a partner and general manager.

What qualities does the speaker believe are suited for someone entering the textile trade?

The speaker believes that the trade suits young people who are hands-on, creative, and enjoy building and problem-solving, with a desire to create and innovate.

How does the speaker describe the experience of working in the textile trade?

The speaker describes it as captivating and mentally stimulating, ensuring that one never gets bored, and it has provided financial independence and personal growth.