BIA acquires Marine Jobs for workforce development

700 school students went thorugh BIA's Careers Day at the Sydney International Boat Show © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) today announced the acquisition of Marine Jobs demonstrating its commitment to the promotion of careers in the marine industry.

Marine Jobs was launched in 2021 as an online recruitment platform as a partnership between the Marinas Industry Association, Superyacht Australia and BIA.

BIA's strategic acquisition will help focus efforts to develop and grow Marine Jobs beyond online recruitment to a wider program promoting the marine industry as a desirable career path.

"The demand for skilled workers in the marine industry remains as strong as ever. As Australia's passion for boating continues to grow, there is an ongoing need for qualified people to design, build, repair and maintain vessels and marine infrastructure as well as manage marine businesses and operations," said BIA CEO Andrew Scott.

"BIA has supported skills and jobs across Australia's marine industry since its inception in the 1960s and we are now set to ramp up our efforts to another level. BIA's efforts to raise awareness of career opportunities and foster a skilled workforce are essential to ensuring the industry's long-term success across Australia."

The BIA's existing program of initiatives in support of skills and jobs has engaged thousands of young people over the past year. This was achieved through hosting careers days, school visits, work placement facilitation, apprenticeship recruitment support and supporting the Marine Industry Academy.

BIA has also focused advocacy for skills and jobs on State and Federal Governments to help meet the workforce needs of the industry.

BIA's entire skills and jobs program will now come under the Marine Jobs heading to further drive recruitment into the marine industry with a number of new initiatives planned for 2025.

With increased demand in recent years, one of BIA's key areas of focus has been the promotion of education and training programs. By working closely with industry partners, educational institutions, and government agencies, the BIA has supported the development of a pipeline of skilled workers to help meet the evolving needs of the boating industry. This includes supporting initiatives to train boatbuilders, shipwrights and marine mechanics, and other essential skills and trades.

In addition to its focus on education and training, the BIA also advocates for policies that support the growth and development of the marine industry. This includes working with government to address challenges such as access to financing, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. By representing the interests of its members, the BIA helps to create a favourable environment for businesses to thrive.

Students at the Marine Industry Academy - photo © Boating Industry Association

The BIA is the peak industry body in Australia that represents the interests of boating which includes designers, manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, events, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers, and more. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating. BIA has members in all States and Territories.

The boating economy generates significant benefits. The BIA reported industry national turnover last year of $10.12 billion, directly employed more than 27,500 people with more than 8250 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

In Australia, more than 85 per cent of the population live within 50km of the coast, so it is little wonder that almost 1 in 5 households can have a boat or watercraft and that approximately 5 million go boating each year. People of all ages, gender and ability participate in boating across paddle, sail and power for leisure and sport.

"Through its commitment to industry support and development, the BIA has a significant role in ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the sector. We will continue to work closely and collaborate with Marinas Industry Association and Superyacht Australia on initiatives and the promotion of marine carers," said Scott.

For more information on BIA visit: www.bia.org.au.