Supporting the next generation of skilled fabricators is at the heart of ATA New Zealand’s mission. As we continue to promote apprenticeships and share the stories of those moving through the pipeline, we recently caught up with Adri Hayden of Canvas and Covers Whangārei, who has just completed her Level 3 Industrial Textiles Fabrication qualification through MAST Academy.

Adri sat down with us last month while navigating life with a toddler turning three and a newborn just five and a half weeks old—an impressive backdrop to finishing a qualification that many find demanding even under calmer circumstances. Her commitment to completing Level 3 before going on maternity leave meant a quick pace, wrapping up the older version of the qualification in around a year and a half.

A Qualification That Brings the Industry Into Focus
Reflecting on the programme, Adri shared that while the Level 3 content was strong, some of the theory sections were “worded a bit funny”, making a few parts challenging to interpret – even for her boss. She found immense support in assessor Peter O’Connell, who acknowledged the clunky nature of the older material and helped provide clarity along the way. His industry experience has been instrumental in shaping the new Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications now available.

Despite the wording challenges, Adri found the qualification incredibly valuable—particularly the hands-on components. She loved being able to measure jobs, pattern, cut, and fabricate from start to finish. Before the apprenticeship, she primarily worked as a sewer being handed pre-cut jobs, which made it hard to visualise the full process. The qualification connected the dots.

“It just made everything make sense,” she said.

From Production Line to Marine Trimming
Adri has been with Canvas and Covers for about four years, originally joining the production team after moving back to New Zealand from the UK. Adri completed a Fashion Textiles course at NorthTec – Tai Tokerau Wānanga in Whangārei before working as a pattern maker in London. A chance conversation -helped along by her partner, a boat builder who knew Brendan and Penny – landed her a role sewing production-line items such as umbrellas and other components.

But after returning from her first maternity leave, she was ready for more variety. Production line work, though perfect for some, had become repetitive. She wanted to use her brain more creatively. When a colleague who had completed the Level 3 apprenticeship went on maternity leave and didn’t return, the timing was right. Encouraged by a senior staff member, Adri moved into marine trimming—an area she now loves.

Her strong sewing background meant most of the technical skill came naturally. The real challenge, she shared, has been mastering manual patterning on boats – especially dodgers and biminis, where accuracy is everything. She’s grateful to be learning from one of the company’s seasoned experts, whom she calls a “master” of the craft.

Growing Confidence, New Responsibilities
Adri says the apprenticeship has boosted her problem-solving skills and confidence immensely. She is now trusted to take jobs independently and has begun learning how to quote, even though quoting isn’t part of Level 3. The Level 4 qualification – which she intends to begin after returning from maternity leave – will take her deeper into quoting and project completion, with specific strands for canvas fabrication or trimming.

Understanding job value is one of the areas she is still developing. “Some of the numbers can feel intimidating,” she admitted, particularly when large marine jobs come with high price tags. She’s been learning that the time-consuming part isn’t the sewing -t’s the measuring and cutting. Precision early on prevents costly mistakes and minimises unpicking later.

Another unexpected skill she has gained? Power tools. The team had a good laugh when she first picked up a drill on a boat. She’s determined to master them, too.

Passion for the Craft
For Adri, one of the biggest joys of the industry is that it never feels like work. She laughs that she often forgets to take breaks because she just wants to keep sewing. The variety -working on boats, travelling to jobs, measuring, fabricating, and problem-solving -keeps every day engaging.

To young people considering the industry, her advice is simple:
“Just do it. It’s fun, it’s different every day, and you learn so much.”

Looking Ahead
When Adri returns to work from maternity leave, she will start looking into starting her Level 4. She is especially excited to develop CAD skills – something she has discussed with Brendan – and eventually learn to use the Proliner. She understands the importance of mastering manual patterning first, but sees huge value in digital patterning tools that can speed up fabrication and improve accuracy.

The Human Side of the Industry
Adri enjoys being part of such a close-knit group with the Canvas and Covers team. She hopes to attend the MAST graduation in Auckland next March, held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, complete with a formal dinner and guest speaker. All graduates of MAST get invited to this celebration.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Adri’s toddler was days away from celebrating a third birthday—likely with a paddling pool involved, given the hot weather. Despite juggling parenthood and pressure, Adri’s enthusiasm for the trade was unmistakable.

Her story perfectly represents the heart of our sector: creative, practical people transforming raw materials into high-functioning solutions, learning continuously, and building careers in an industry full of variety, challenge, and reward.

ATA New Zealand looks forward to featuring more stories like Adri’s -helping showcase the many pathways, talents, and personalities shaping the future of industrial textiles fabrication.

Upskill in the industry and enrol in a Level 3 or 4 Qualification with MAST Academy. Go to https://www.mastacademy.com/mast-courses-industrial-textiles to learn more or get in contact with MAST Directly at [email protected].