Taking the Next Step: Logan Miller's Level 4 Journey

For many people in the industrial textiles industry, a career begins with an unexpected opportunity. For Logan Miller of Hawke's Bay Trim and Canvas, that opportunity came while he was still at school.

Today, Logan is a qualified canvas fabricator and installer who has been with Hawke's Bay Trim and Canvas since 2016. After completing his Level 3 qualification, he recently became one of the first people to enrol in the new Level 4 Advanced Industrial Textiles qualification through MAST, continuing his journey of professional development within the industry.

From Workshop Cleaner to Qualified Tradesman

Logan's introduction to the industry was a simple one. Hawke's Bay Trim and Canvas needed someone to help clean the workshop for a few hours each week, and through a connection with an apprentice already working at the business, Logan secured an after-school job.

"I started cleaning up around the workshop, but slowly became more involved in the industry," he explains.

What began as a part-time job quickly developed into a career. Over the past ten years, Logan has built his skills across a wide range of fabrication and installation work and now plays an important role within the Hawke's Bay Trim and Canvas team.

A Passion for Creating Outdoor Spaces

When asked what he enjoys most about the trade, Logan is quick to point to the installation side of the industry.

"I enjoy the installation side the most. The custom outdoor solutions that we can fabricate for customers to create or finish off their outdoor areas is amazing."

From outdoor blinds and shade sails through to retractable awnings, fixed-frame awnings and tension structures, Logan enjoys the variety that comes with the work.

"No two jobs are exactly the same, and it's rewarding seeing a project come together and meeting the customer's requirements."

Why Continue Beyond Level 3?

Having already achieved his Level 3 qualification through MITO before the training arrangements transitioned to MAST, Logan could have easily continued working without undertaking further study. Instead, he saw Level 4 as an opportunity to build on the skills and knowledge he had already gained.

"What made me want to continue my training beyond Level 3 was the fact that I'm upskilling myself and gaining an extra qualification."For Logan, the motivation is simple. “I was motivated to take on the Level 4 qualification because I'm learning more about the industry to help me become a highly skilled tradesman."

He is currently completing the Canvas Fabrication strand and already has his sights set on taking on the Motor trimming strand once this qualification is completed.

Learning at a Higher Level

One of the biggest differences Logan has noticed between Level 3 and Level 4 is the increased depth of learning. "The Level 4 apprenticeship is showing more advancement within the industry."

Far from finding the programme intimidating, Logan was eager to get started. As he progresses through the qualification, he continues to discover new aspects of the industry and expand his knowledge. "The thing that has surprised me most is how much more I'm learning about the industry as I go through it."

The Importance of Employer Support

A key part of Logan's success has been the support he has received from his employers, James and Owain at Hawke's Bay Trim and Canvas.

The company has invested directly in his learning, including purchasing a laptop to support his studies, while also providing guidance and practical expertise whenever needed. "They provide insight into where I can find information about products and help answer questions I might have depending on the assessments."

Logan believes employer support is critical to apprentice success. He also sees clear benefits for businesses that invest in staff development. "Supporting staff through a Level 4 apprenticeship is a good decision for your business because you're upskilling your staff's knowledge within the industry. You're also gaining a more loyal employee by putting time and money into helping and supporting them through the apprenticeship."

Building Knowledge Across the Industry

As products, materials and customer expectations continue to evolve, developing highly skilled tradespeople will be essential to the industry's future success. Logan says, "Higher-level training brings a growth of knowledge that can help drive innovation in the custom products we can make across different areas of the industry."

Advice for Others Considering Level 4

For those who have completed Level 3 but are unsure whether to continue, Logan's advice is straightforward, “I'd recommend considering Level 4 because it helps build on the skills and experience you already have within the industry." 

He also wants people to know that the qualification can fit alongside everyday work commitments as long as you manage your time appropriately. 

And for anyone wondering whether they're ready? "Just give it a go. You're upskilling your knowledge within the industry and also have the bonus of gaining another qualification."

Looking Ahead

While Logan is still working towards completing Level 4, his long-term goals are clear. "I want to fine-tune my skills and knowledge, learn from the best, and hopefully one day be running the place."

With that attitude and commitment to continuous learning, the future looks bright, not only for Logan, but for the wider industrial textiles industry as well.

As the first intake of Level 4 apprentices progresses through the programme, Logan's story serves as a reminder that professional development doesn't stop at qualification completion. The next step could be the one that takes your career to a whole new level.

Source: ATA website