Press Release
For Immediate Release

Celebrating the Future of Industrial Textiles: ATA NZ Announces Apprentice of the Year Award Winners

New Zealand – The Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand (ATA NZ), in partnership with MAST Academy, proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Apprentice of the Year Awards at its annual Gala Dinner during the ATA NZ Conference & Trade Show.

These prestigious awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding apprentices shaping the future of New Zealand’s industrial textiles sector. With projects ranging from messenger bags to innovative harnesses, this year’s entrants showcased technical skill, creativity, and commitment to the craft.

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Tier 1 Apprentice of the Year: Bryce Farrow, Total Trim Canvas & Upholstery

The Tier 1 Award recognises apprentices who are in the first 15 months of their training. This year’s project challenged participants to make a messenger bag, with judges focusing on precision and craftsmanship rather than creativity.

Although only one entry was received due to the transition to new qualifications, the courage and dedication of this year’s apprentice shone through.

Winner: Bryce Farrow, Total Trim Canvas & Upholstery.
Bryce’s entry demonstrated strong technical foundations and attention to detail. “I found binding and going around corners the hardest to sew,” he explained, “but overall I found it a great project to work on.”

The Tier 1 Award was sponsored by MAST Academy, with materials generously provided by W Wiggins.

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Tier 2 Apprentice of the Year & Overall Apprentice of the Year: Ella Dodd, Kolorful Kanvas

Highly Commended: Shyla Armstrong, Baytex

The Tier 2 Award is open to apprentices more than 15 months into their training, giving them the opportunity to design and create their own projects with commercial potential. Entrants were required to use 1.8m of outdoor fabric and include at least three key functional elements, such as zips, buckles, or domes.

This year’s entries highlighted both skill and innovation:

• Shyla Armstrong (Baytex) created Baby’s First Bag, a versatile and stylish nappy and overnight bag that balanced practicality with design flair. Her work earned her a Highly Commended recognition.
• Ella Dodd (Kolorful Kanvas) designed and produced a Binoculars Harness, combining durability with functionality. Judges praised her problem-solving and refinement through prototypes, resulting in a professional-quality product. Ella was awarded Tier 2 Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that a woman has won the Overall Apprentice of the Year, a milestone that reflects the increasing diversity and strength of talent in the industry.

Ella receives:

• $750 sponsored by MAST Academy
• A Triac AT from Carr NZ
• Flights and accommodation to attend the ATA NZ Conference & Trade Show
• The ATA NZ Apprentice of the Year Trophy, donated by Napier Auto Upholstery
• A framed certificate from MAST Academy

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Quotes

“Apprentices are the future of our industry,” said Amanda Newport, Executive Officer of ATA NZ. “These awards highlight the dedication, creativity, and technical skill our apprentices bring to the workforce, and we’re proud to celebrate them on this national stage.”

“Supporting apprentices through initiatives like these awards ensures we continue to build a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for New Zealand’s industrial textiles sector,” added Joe Daw of MAST Academy.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

ATA NZ extends its gratitude to MAST Academy, Carr NZ, W Wiggins, and Napier Auto Upholstery for their generous support, which makes these awards possible.

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About ATA NZ

The Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand (ATA NZ) is the voice of the industrial textiles sector in Aotearoa. Through advocacy, training, and industry collaboration, ATA NZ supports members in advancing skills, innovation, and excellence across the industry.

About MAST Academy

MAST Academy is New Zealand’s industry-led training organisation for the marine, composites, and textiles sectors, delivering qualifications and apprenticeships that grow capability and support career pathways.

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