Robert Wilson of Cavalier Spinners in Napier's Awatoto is the country's first qualified carding technician, graduating with a national diploma in textiles manufacturing (carding).
Carding is the process of turning wool into yarn. The Cavalier Spinners yarn is used to manufacture world-class carpets at the Cavalier Bremworth plant in Auckland.
Mill manager Peter Shuker said the structured upskilling through the Apparel and Textile Industry Training Organisation (Atito) had been very positive for the company.
"The spinning mill does have other carding staff who have extensive technical ability and knowledge gained over 30 to 40 years of on-the-job experience, but until now there has never been the opportunity in New Zealand to to gain a certified carding technician qualification," he said.
Atito chief executive Mike Gorinski said to operate the complex carding machinery took many years of operating experience and knowledge.
"This is learning that can only be gained on the job. No university or polytechnic in New Zealand offers training in this highly specialised field," he said.
