At Coomera Marine Precinct on the Gold Coast, the inaugural Marine Careers Open Day was held for the first time and by all accounts was a resounding success. As many industries are experiencing skills shortages, the open day was held to attract people to the industry and the many roles that can be found in the marine industry.
BUSY Sisters attended and were involved in the discussion panel, along with BUSY At Work, representing Australian Apprenticeships Support Network.
Approximately 1400 visitors attended and explored the vast marine landscape, highlighting the industry’s commitment to addressing its ongoing skills shortage. From high school students to trades people and professionals in aligned industries, the event drew marine enthusiasts from many diverse backgrounds.
Spanning five strategic Waterway Dr locations, including global brands of The Boat Works, Riviera Australia, Maritimo, and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, participants had the opportunity to directly engage with marine businesses currently recruiting. There were also 100 job openings spotlighted on the Marine Jobs job board which was a drawcard for potential recruits.
Representing the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workforce Relations, Jodi Brackenbury, Employment Facilitator, Workforce Australia – Local Jobs Program said the day was an overall success. “Jobseekers were able to discover a sea of possibilities and dive into the exciting world of the marine sector! The jobs board showcased opportunities ranging from deck hands to engineers, boat builders to vessel operators, this event provided a treasure trove of career opportunities. This is a fresh and innovative way for career changers, jobseekers and school leavers to immerse themselves into the vast employment potential of jobs available within the marine sector – now and into the future!”
With 43 noteworthy businesses participating in the event, the marine precinct saw a consistent flow of foot traffic throughout each location. Prospective marine industry professionals journeyed from locations as far away as New Zealand, Newcastle, and the Sunshine Coast, demonstrating the event’s far-reaching impact.
After seeing the event promotion on social media, Hunter Tuck, an aspiring boat building apprentice travelled from Wanaka in New Zealand with his family for the event. “The industry is huge on the Gold Coast, with so many passionate people building such high-quality products. The tours through the shipyards were such an eye opener. I can’t wait to explore my options when I look to relocate to Queensland next year and hopefully begin an apprenticeship as a boat builder on the Gold Coast” commented Tuck.
A balanced blend of registered training organisations, training and skill focused government departments and established marine businesses featured at the muster point, amplifying the events’ role in connecting businesses with their prospective workforce.
Panel discussions – focusing on apprenticeships (which BUSY At Work were involved with), educational pathway programs, women in marine (BUSY Sisters represented), superyacht careers, advanced manufacturing, and defence force recruiting – were the event’s cornerstone, resonating deeply with attendees. One aspiring marine industry recruit was fifteen-year-old Perry Craft from the Australian Industry Trade College. “After hearing firsthand from current marine apprentices during the first presentation it’s a no brainer that this is the industry, I want to be in. I can drive my tinny to work in Coomera with my fishing rods on board, then on the way home catch some fish in the river.”
The event was delivered by Marine Jobs, The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), Superyacht Australia & Australian Commercial Marine Group with the support of the City of Gold Coast, the Queensland Government – Department of State Development Infrastructure Local Government and Planning, Gold Coast Regional Jobs Committee, Workforce Australia – Local Jobs Program, Manufacturing Hub | Gold Coast – Dept. of Water & Regional Manufacturing, and Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, who laid the groundwork for this event’s success. We would also like to thank The Boat Works, Maritimo, Riviera Australia and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard for opening their sites for tours on the day.
In orchestrating and delivering this event, Marine Jobs has heralded the beginning of a fresh chapter in marine career exploration.
Find out more about BUSY At Work’s support for apprentices looking to enter the marine and other industries.
Find out more about BUSY Sisters – supporting women who want to enter non-traditional trade pathways.
Panel discussions were led by industry, apprenticeship support services and others. Billie-Jo Thompson (far right), BUSY Sisters mentor also talked about women entering the marine industry.