Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology
A creative trade most people have never heard of — custom interiors, upholstery, and fit-outs for boats across Victoria.
Already considering furniture upholstery, interior design, or automotive trimming?
Marine trimmers use the exact same skills — cutting, sewing, fitting, and fabricating — but their canvas is a boat. From luxury cabin interiors to custom seat cushions and bimini tops, no two jobs are the same. If you love making things look and feel great, this is the trade version of that — with a far more interesting workplace.
What is a Marine Trimmer?
A marine trimmer specialises in the soft furnishings and interior fit-out of boats — custom seat upholstery, canvas covers, bimini tops, cabin wall linings, and full interior refits. It combines craftsmanship, creativity, and technical skill, and every job is completely different.
What will you actually do?
- Design and fabricate custom seat cushions and upholstery for boat interiors
- Cut, sew, and fit canvas covers, bimini tops, and weather protection
- Reline cabin walls, floors, and storage areas with marine-grade materials
- Repair and restore existing upholstery and soft furnishings on older boats
- Work with clients to choose materials, colours, and custom finishes
- Use industrial sewing machines, cutting tools, and specialist marine fabrics
Why choose this trade?
- Highly creative — you see a finished product every time, and clients love the results
- A rare skill — qualified marine trimmers are in short supply across Victoria
- Skills transfer to automotive, furniture, aviation, and luxury fit-out industries
- Work independently or as part of a small team
- Realistic pathway into running your own business
What Can You Earn?
APPRENTICE PAY (approximate — varies by employer and award)
| Year | Approx. Weekly Pay | Approx. Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~$600–$730/week | ~$31,000–$38,000 |
| Year 2 | ~$730–$870/week | ~$38,000–$45,000 |
| Year 3 | ~$870–$1,020/week | ~$45,000–$53,000 |
| Year 4 | ~$1,020–$1,200/week | ~$53,000–$62,000 |
Qualified tradesperson: $55,000 – $90,000+ per year
Source: SEEK & PayScale 2025–26. Qualified motor and marine trimmers average ~$70,200/year. Experienced specialists and those with their own business earn $75,000–$80,000+.
The Pathway
- Secure an apprenticeship with a marine trimming or upholstery business — Boating Careers can connect you
- Enrol in the Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology at Holmesglen TAFE
- Complete a 3–4 year apprenticeship combining hands-on work with structured training
- Graduate with a nationally recognised qualification in a specialist, in-demand trade
Still in school? SBATs are available — start your apprenticeship while completing Year 11 or 12.
Not sure yet? Come to an Immersion Day first.
Get a real behind-the-scenes look at the industry before you commit to anything. Meet the tradespeople, see the work up close, and find out if this is the right path for you.
Course Details
| Qualification: | Certificate III in Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology |
| Provider: | Holmesglen TAFE, Victoria |
| Duration: | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Study mode: | On-the-job training + block release at TAFE |
| SBAT available: | Yes — can begin in Year 11 or 12 |
Is this trade for me?
- You enjoy working with your hands and making things from scratch
- You have an eye for detail and care about how things look and feel
- You like creative work but also want practical, tangible results
- You're interested in textiles, design, or interior decoration
- You want a trade that's genuinely rare and in demand
For parents: Marine trimming is a specialist trade with very few qualified practitioners in Victoria. That scarcity means strong earning potential and long-term job security.
Thinking about a career as a Marine Trimmer?
We'll help you understand your options, find the right employer, and get connected with the right training provider — at no cost to you.
Contact Boating Careers — we'll put you in touch
Already decided? Go straight to the course details:
View the full course at Holmesglen TAFE →A 2-day taste of life as a marine technician
Hands-on training at the Mercury Marine facility, delivered by OEDA in partnership with Australia's leading outboard brands. Perfect for students considering a trade or weighing up their next step.