The 2023 Industrial Textile Fabrication Apprentice of the Year Awards are open for entry.
The awards are split into two tiers depending on experience.
Benefits for entering include:
Every entry will be displayed in photos on the OFPANZ Facebook page
Every entry will receive a complimentary ticket to the Awards Dinner.
The winners of each tier receive $250 Sponsored by MAST Academy.
The winners will also have a feature in the industry publication “The Cutting Edge.”
The Overall Apprentice of the Year is then determined between the tier one or tier two winners.
The Overall Apprentice of the Year receives:
The winner of the Overall Apprentice of the Year Award will receive
Flights and accommodation reimbursed for the OFPANZ Conference and Trade Show in Tauranga Sponsored by Hanga Ara Rau
Choice between Solano AT or Triac AT Sponsored by Carr NZ
The OFPANZ Trophy to display for one year.
A framed Certificate and $500 from MAST Academy.
Judging:
Judging will be based on Appearance, Workmanship, Complexity, Design, Innovation, Following the Brief and Presentation to the Judges. Contact the Executive Officer for a list of All Judging Criteria.
If you would like to compete in the Tier One competition, you must register your interest. After this date, a Tier One Kit will be posted to you from W Wiggins. This will include all materials you need to complete the specifications in the design below.
All entries must be received by the OFPANZ Executive Officer by 1st July 2023.
Please click on the link below to view the Tier One design for which you will be required to fabricate according to the following plan:
Apprentice of the Year Tier One Design Specs:
You must follow the design brief located below. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You must use materials provided in your kit that will be sent to you from W Wiggins. If you do not have a tool you need to complete this project, please reach out to an OFPANZ supplier or fabricator for assistance.
Please take photos of the following stages of your project:
- Laying up and marking out
- During Construction
- Cut pieces prior to construction
- Finished product for display/marketing purposes
Your project will be judged on Meeting the Design brief, Appearance and Workmanship (accuracy of measurements, material selected, neatness of cutting, neatness of stitching, accuracy of fittings) Finish (Binding, Threads, Overall) and how it is packed and presented. (Please Contact the OFPANZ Executive Officer for more details about Judging criteria )
Apprentice of the Year Tier Two Design Specs:
Your entry must be Innovative – either solving a problem or an enhancement to an existing product.
Your entry must use no more than 1.8sq metres (10% allowance) of outdoor fabric material (ie: canvas, PVC, vinyl, leather, shade cloth etc). Please note this does not include webbing, binding, velcro tape or zipping.
The finished article must include, but not be limited to, at least three of the following – an eyelet, dome, buckle (metal or plastic), zip, hook and loop.
Please take photos to show the progression of the project.
Please keep in mind projects need to be freighted. Please take into account the size, volume and weight of your project. The weight should not exceed 12kg
Judging will be based on Innovation, Material Selected, Accuracy, using correct methods for cutting and stitching, uniformity of seams, Attention to detail, Fittings & Attachments, Design and Flair, seaming and finishing, Packaging and Presentation.
This year we will also be adding an element for the Tier 2 participants to submit images of 2 projects they have completed, describing in detail what their level of participation was.
Entries must be sent to address in the form no later than 1st July 2023.
Please read the instructions below very carefully and complete the form before submitting your project.
