Boost the Boating Workforce
The Gold Coast Marine Precinct Careers Open Day, Saturday 21 October, welcomed thousands of interested people to the showcase of trades, services, suppliers in the industry – all of them offering employment.
The Gold Coast region is facing a skills crisis, with a requirement to boost its workforce by at least 10 percent immediately to keep pace with demand, locally and in terms of exports.
The Gold Coast Marine sector supports more than 4,600 local jobs. Spanning 64 hectares, the Coomera Marine Precinct is renowned as the largest hub in the southern hemisphere dedicated to marine activities.
The current developments within the Spit Master Plan and the proposed Northern Marine Precinct Steiglitz Master Plan further accentuate the need for skilled personnel.
Held in the heart of the Marine Precinct, the Careers Open Day united the marine businesses, manufactures, boat builders and all marine businesses in the area.
Visitors, who ranged from families with High-School aged young people to people looking for a career change, attended panel sessions featuring speakers from all avenues of the industry – boat building, manufacturing, training, tourism, charter, insurance and several apprentices who outlined the benefits of an industry that combines livelihood and lifestyle.
Maritimo and Riviera hosted their own facility tours, and The Boat Works guided visitors through their two boat yards on tours that departed every half hour, taking in the full gamut of trades and suppliers on-site showcasing marine fabrication and engineering.
Thanks to a continued influx of boats to the facility and increased major marine infrastructure including the expansion of Stage 5, comprising new sheds, hardstand, more professional suites and workshops, there is a need for skilled workers in all sectors of the industry.
“The Boat Works is leading an incredible amount of momentum which in turn is attracting more vessels, and creating more jobs,” comments Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works.
“There is a huge demand to accommodate more boats undercover and our 70 sheds have reached capacity. We fast-tracked Stage 5 to ensure we can cater to the rising demand over summer and into 2024.”
Stage 5 will effectively double the size of The Boat Works’ Northern Superyacht Yard. 10 new sheds and 10 new hardstands are set to be finished by the end of 2023. The addition of more berths and additional office suites are now the next in line for starting construction now and will open in the New Year to accommodate the summer influx.
Marine businesses on-site such as Stella Marine and Choice Stainless who specialise in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication are rapidly growing and expanding their staff, equipment and acquisitions.
Gary Cooper, Director at Stella Marine said “Stella offers a variety of career paths, from manufacturing parts in-house to working on the refit and installation of components on all makes and models of boats.
“As we continue to expand our operations, we are seeking individuals who want to pursue careers in welding, fabrication, assembly, machining and sales. Stella recognises the importance of passing on our knowledge and expertise to ensure the continued growth of the marine industry.
“We have developed partnerships with trade schools to provide students with apprenticeships that offer hands-on experience within their chosen trade. This not only exposes them to the industry but also helps us identify and nurture talent for future employment opportunities. By sharing our expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning, Stella is shaping the future of the industry, one skilled worker at a time.”
Shipwrights like Proyacht and Shed i16 are servicing more yachts, while dealers and brokers continue to import vessels that are commissioned at The Boat Works by the legion of skilled trades on-site.
Mark Elkington, Managing Director of The Yacht Sales Co. which is based at The Boat Works, said “We have a strong new-boat arrival period across this second half of 2023, with more than a dozen new boats arriving since early September.
“This continued growth in used and new boat sales has certainly created an increase in demand for resources, including sales and operational personnel.”
“Having extraordinary facilities available at The Boat Works marine precinct allows the boat owner direct access to the complete A-Z of marine specialist from buying, selling, maintaining, or servicing, refitting and or manufacturing to fit in with all makes and models of vessels,” says Tony Longhurst.
“The Boat Works is proud to have the largest and cleanest marine facility in Australia with Southeast Asia’s largest concentration of marine trade service providers, renowned for their commitment to delivering high quality service.”
Opportunities in the marine industry are listed on the marinejobs.org.au site and include apprenticeships as well as fully-qualified and experienced tradespeople – spanning trades such as Marine Mechanics, Fitters & Machinists, Marine Electrical Technicians & Installers, Composite Repairers, Marine Trimmers, Wood Machinists, Superyacht Engineers, Boat Masters, Junior CAD draftspeople and Maritime Trainees – to name only a few.
“There is no obstacle to joining what is a vibrant and dynamic industry,” says Adam Chanter, Maritime Industry Skills Advisor at Marine Jobs/AIMEX.
“No matter what your skills or interests, the marine/boating industry can provide a satisfying pathway to a great career.” Find your new Career via the link
