Campus to Career Pre–Trades Excellence

Thadje Ferrer (left) with his class mates and their paddleboard project

The marine and composites industry is built on craftsmanship and innovation and today, investing in skilled tradespeople is more important than ever as businesses navigate shifting economic conditions.

MAST Academy CEO Chris van der Hor has seen the industry’s cycles, from booms to quieter periods. “Even during downturns, we’ve learned that losing skilled workers means years of rebuilding when demand returns,” says Chris.

This insight helped shape MAST’s decision to introduce pre-trade training at its new campus in Auckland’s Westgate. “Our campus-based programme offers a career pathway into the marine and composite trades,” Chris explains. “It’s about building a workforce with specialised skills – ready to power the next growth phase in this unique and highly skilled sector.”

As New Zealand’s only training provider in this space, MAST Academy works closely with industry to train work-based apprentices in boatbuilding, composites, marine engineering, powerboat systems, sail and spar making, marina operations, marine interiors, industrial textiles, yacht rigging and marine coatings.

With a strong focus on the future, the campus-based pre-trade training delivers value for both students and employers. Students enter the industry with practical skills and confidence, giving businesses the assurance they need when building their teams.

“We’re not just training students for today’s marine and composites industries – we’re preparing them for where the industry is heading, staying ahead of the curve.” Chris van der Hor, CEO MAST Academy

Lloyd Stevenson, owner of Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders, strongly advocates for the initiative. The core skills developed through the programme offer exactly the depth of training that employers initially look for. “If they come to us with their eyes wide open, having tested the waters and chosen a career in boatbuilding, that’s exactly the commitment we want to see. Combined with a solid foundation of skills, it makes them valuable team members,” says Lloyd.

The six-month programme offers three specialist strands – Boatbuilding, Composites or Marine Systems – providing a focused career path. This is followed by industry work experience that puts new skills into practice and opens doors to employment.

Students working at Mast Academy campus. Thadje receives his certificate from Chris Van Der Hor and Pathways Consultant Tracey Eaton

Earlier this year, the first cohort completed their training at the MAST campus. For Thadje Ferrer, it was a turning point. “Learning the basics of composites opened my eyes to a world I didn’t even know existed,” he says. “I really love the hands-on and precision work involved.” Knowing composites was the right fit, landing an entry-level role at Rocket Lab after the programme was a dream come true.

Dylan Ewing, Senior Manager of Operations at Rocket Lab, is enthusiastic about the programme and was pleased to bring Thadje into the team: “Instead of starting from scratch, we can focus on teaching new apprentices the specific processes related to Rocket Lab, knowing they already have the core skills to step into the work confidently.”

While MAST has strong roots in work-based apprenticeship training across the country, the new campus marks a major step forward in building tomorrow’s skilled workforce. “We’re not just training students for today’s marine and composites industries – we’re preparing them for where the industry is heading, staying ahead of the curve,” says Chris. “Our ultimate goal is a large purpose-built centre of excellence where training can quickly adapt and evolve alongside industry needs.”

Pre-Trade Course