Investing in the Future of Fabrication: LJ Covers attends the Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo + WorldSkills Nationals
Over the weekend, LJ Covers attended the Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo, held alongside the WorldSkills Australia National Championships — and it was an inspiring experience for anyone passionate about fabrication careers.
With hundreds of students, educators, and training providers under one roof, the event provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the future of industrial textile fabrication in Australia and the exciting career opportunities it offers.
Opening the Conversation on Industry Skills
At LJ Covers, we’re seeing a growing demand for skilled fabricators across multiple sectors, including caravan and camping, construction, sport, agriculture, and mining. However, there’s a significant gap in formal training pathways for young people who want to pursue fabrication careers.
The expo gave us the chance to discuss with vocational educators and training organisations:
- How to increase visibility of textile fabrication as a viable career path
- The skills in high demand across real-world industrial applications
- Collaboration opportunities to create meaningful training outcomes
Jason Kemp Appointed to Lead Training Initiatives
We’re proud to announce that Jason Kemp, General Manager of LJ Covers, has been appointed to lead the Training Portfolio for the Specialised Textiles Association (STA).
In this role, Jason will engage with TAFE NSW and other key stakeholders to explore ways to formalise and expand training opportunities for fabrication careers. This is a significant step for LJ Covers and the broader industrial textile sector, helping establish apprenticeships, national qualifications, and skills pathways that reflect real industry needs.
Seeing WorldSkills in Action
One of the highlights of the weekend was watching the WorldSkills National Championships. Competitors across trades such as welding, automotive, graphics, and fashion design displayed world-class technical skill and precision.
It made us consider the potential for Textile Fabrication – Industrial and Marine Trimming to be a featured category in future competitions. This would:
- Raise awareness of textile fabrication as a rewarding career
- Attract new talent to the industry
- Give industrial textile fabricators the recognition they deserve
Advancing Fabrication Careers
The weekend reinforced our commitment to promoting fabrication careers by:
- Supporting formalised training pathways for specialised textile fabrication
- Creating industry-backed skill development programs
- Increasing awareness of the wide range of career opportunities in industrial textiles
Jason Kemp’s 25+ years of experience on the tools highlight the value of hands-on skills. Now, it’s our mission to ensure the next generation of fabricators has access to training, mentorship, and recognition.
Why Textile Fabrication is a Career Worth Pursuing
Whether it’s building custom covers for mining machinery, sewing canvas for championship boxing rings, or crafting specialised outdoor solutions, textile fabrication offers practical, skilled, and rewarding career paths.
By promoting fabrication careers, LJ Covers aims to inspire young talent, provide guidance for apprentices, and strengthen the industrial textile workforce across Australia.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Fabrication Careers
LJ Covers is always open to partnerships, apprenticeships, and ideas that advance fabrication careers. If you’re passionate about learning, teaching, or supporting the next generation of skilled fabricators, get in touch with us today and be part of the future of the industry.
