BIA celebrates National Apprentice Week
by Boating Industry Association 8 Feb 21:17 PST
BIA celebrates National Apprentice Week © Boating Industry Association
National Apprentice Week Australia is a time to celebrate the role of apprenticeships and traineeships in building the skills and strength of workforce in the marine industry, according to the Boating Industry Association.
Boating Industry Association (BIA) CEO Andrew Fielding said marine trades were the backbone of the industry which relies on a workforce that was founded on experience, precision and knowledge.
Fielding said, "Last year the industry across Australia employed 35,000 people in a sector that turned over more than $10B and yet the workforce needs to grow to meet demand across a wide range of trades and skills.
"Participation in boating is set to reach more than 6 million people by 2030 when there will be 1 million registered boats in Australia with a similar number of watercraft not required to be registered such as small paddle and sailing craft.
"The view of the BIA is that supporting apprentices is not optional — it is essential to the future success of Australian marine businesses.
"These are some of the reasons we have such a strong focus on promoting Marine Jobs as one of our four key strategic priorities nationally."
Fielding today also launched the 2026 BIA National Jobs & Skills Annual Survey across its membership 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 spanning all States and Territories.
The 2025 Survey revealed a range of marine industry data including:
- 93 per cent of businesses were concerned about availability of skilled labour;
- 85 per cent were concerned about the shortage of apprentices; and
- 45 per cent reported a consequent loss of revenue.
BIA will be supporting the week over 9-15 February with a campaign promoting Marine Jobs.
BIA members and non members are invited to complete the survey which closes Friday 20 February; the survey link is here.
More info at www.bia.org.au includes links to the Marine Jobs website.