Our Industries_Manufactured Textiles

Our Industries - Manufactured Textiles and Fashion

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Textile Manufacturing
Leather and Fur
Textile Products Manufacturing
Knitted Product Manufacturing
Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services

Western Australia’s textile manufacturing sector is small but diverse, producing fabrics, garments, upholstery, industrial textiles, and specialised products such as uniforms and protective clothing. The industry is dominated by micro and small businesses, with most operations focused on cut, sew, dyeing, finishing, and niche production rather than large - scale manufacturing.

The workforce is relatively modest in size, likely numbering in the low thousands, and is predominantly female, reflecting national trends in the textile, clothing, and footwear sector. Roles range from machinists, dyers, and textile technicians to designers and quality controllers, often requiring a mix of technical and creative skills.

Key challenges include competition from cheaper imports, the decline of large - scale manufacturing, and skills shortages, particularly in specialised production. However, opportunities are emerging through sustainable and circular economy practices such as textile recycling, upcycling, and the use of eco - friendly materials. Technological advances—such as automation, 3D digital design, and on - demand manufacturing—are reshaping production methods and workforce requirements.

The sector’s future growth in WA will rely on innovation, investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities, upskilling the workforce, and expanding local supply chains to serve niche, high - value markets.

Western Australia’s laundry and dry - cleaning sector comprises mostly small businesses, including self - service laundries, boutique dry - cleaners, and large commercial operators servicing hospitality, healthcare, and industrial clients. The workforce is relatively small, older (median age ~50), and predominantly female, with many part - time and casual roles.

Most skills are gained on the job, with limited formal training pathways. Demand for household dry - cleaning has declined due to casual dress trends, while institutional demand remains steady. The sector operates under the Dry Cleaning and Laundry Award, with strict hygiene standards for commercial services, and faces challenges in workforce renewal, labour availability, and adapting to changing consumer needs.

Key roles shaping Western Australia’s manufactured textiles and fashion sector

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities in WA’s textiles and fashion manufacturing, from hands on production to creative design and technical innovation.

Workforce Demographics and Key Factors influencing the workforce

Most businesses are micro - enterprises and SMEs, with the workforce split between specialized production roles (e.g. sewing machinists, tailors) and support roles (e.g. logistics, sales, admin).
Nationally, around 40% of the workforce hold specialized technical production jobs (~16,600 of ~39,800 workers in 2021), with remaining 60% in support and managerial roles.
Women dominate the broader fashion and apparel industry in Australia—about 77% of workers—though WA - specific gender split data isn’t broken out, it's likely similar.
The sector is characterised by geographic isolation, fragmented supply networks, and a high proportion of small operators, which limits economies of scale and coordination
Domestic garment manufacturing has dwindled to under 1,000 jobs nationally due to high production costs, intense import competition, and shifting supply chains offshore
Rising consumer demand for eco - friendly, ethical products spurs local innovation—WA research hubs are advancing textile recycling, upcycling, and compostable standards
Adoption of smart fabrics, automation, digital design tools, and e - commerce is reshaping roles and skill requirements
A recent workforce insights project recommended enhancing flexibility in textile - related training packages, strengthening apprenticeships/trainee pathways, and recognising skillsets within the MST training framework.

Australia’s laundry and dry - cleaning services sector employed approximately 17,384 people in 2024, down slightly from 2023 (~17,330). While WA - specific employment data is not public, WA’s share of national industry employment is likely proportional to its population (~10 %).
The laundry and drycleaning sector need diverse skills: operating specialist machinery, ensuring hygiene compliance, and managing customer service. High turnover and reliance on casual labour are common, especially in smaller firms.

Training Package

MST Textiles, Clothing and Footwear

Declared Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Laundry Operations (Level 2) - MST20422 Certificate II in Laundry Operations
Dry Cleaning Operations (Level 2) - MST20722 Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Footwear Repair (Level 2) - MST20722 Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Textile Production (Complex or Multiple Processes) (Level 2) - MST20722 Certificate II in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Manufactured Textile Products (Level 3) - MST30222 Certificate III in Manufactured Textile Products
Footwear Repair (Level 3) - MST30416 Certificate III in Footwear
Laundry Operations Operations (Level 3) - MST30622 Certificate III in Laundry Operations
Dry Cleaning Operations (Level 3) - MST30922 Certificate III in Dry Cleaning Operations
Clothing Production (Level 3) - MST31022 Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Textile Production (Level 3) - MST31022 Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles
Clothing Production (Level 4) - MST40222 Certificate IV in Apparel and Fashion