Ceremony launches Marine Training Centre

The Chief Executive Officers from the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT) and Riviera Australia joined forces recently to launch the GCIT Marine Training Centre at Riviera headquarters in Coomera.

GCIT CEO, Aaron Devine and Riviera Australia CEO, Wes Moxey together hand-sawed a plywood banner to mark the official launch of the facility which is a training hub for more than 100 apprentices studying marine mechanical technology and marine craft construction as well as school-based students studying the Certificate 1 in Boating.

Mr Devine said the Institute is incredibly pleased to have such an essential role in Australia’s marine industry.

"The Institute has a long and well-established history with Riviera. We are incredibly pleased to again play such a vital role in training Australia’s marine industry professionals and we are honoured to be an integral part of the Gold Coast’s recovering marine industry," he said.

A skilled and educated workforce is essential to not only the industry’s growth and development but also the regions.

"The GCIT Marine Training Centre is an example of how the Institute works closely with industry to provide an interesting and motivating learning environment for apprentices equipped with the latest equipment and cutting edge training."

Mr Moxey said Riviera was proud to be the home of the new GCIT Marine Training Centre.

"This training centre, located within Riviera’s 14-hectare world-class Coomera headquarters, provides a great facility for the Gold Coast marine precinct and the Australian boating industry," he said.

“Each year thousands of boats are designed, manufactured, serviced, and refitted within the precinct and we feel honoured to be a part of this very unique training program, which will have an integral role in supporting the growth of the marine industry in the years ahead.

"Where else in the world can apprentices combine boat building theory and training with practical on the job experience in the one location within the largest boat building facility in the country," Mr Moxey added.

First year Riviera boat-building apprentice Nathaniel D’Ambrosia took part in the opening ceremony sharing his experiences as one of the first new apprentices in the program.

"Since beginning my apprenticeship in January I have had the opportunity to work in various departments, including new product development where we are working on a brand new model. Each apprentice rotates to a different department every three months, which gives us an opportunity to experience all aspects of boat building before selecting our specialist areas later in our apprenticeship," Nathaniel said.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment, John-Paul Langbroek said the collaboration with GCIT and Riviera would not only provide opportunities for budding apprentices but it would also benefit the wider marine community.

"This partnership is an investment in the local marine industry," Mr Langbroek said.

"These apprentices are going to gain valuable skills that will lead to jobs.

"I’m proud to support this program that will help boost employment opportunities on the Gold Coast and contribute to the growth of a strong economy."