Riviera apprentice program swells its ranks with future craftspeople

The 33 new sign-ups will swell the number of apprentices at the Coomera-based company to more than 80, where they will work with more than 600 staff to help build motor yachts ranging from 39 feet in length to 72 feet.

Trades offered in the four-year apprenticeship program, which has been part of Riviera since 1992, include boatbuilding, engineering, electrical, cabinet making, timber and composite machinists, upholstery, and composite technicians.

They will rotate through all areas of the business relevant to their chosen trade. All will be based at Riviera’s 14-hectare manufacturing site on the Gold Coast.

“Outstanding apprentices are recognised with opportunities to travel nationally and internationally to work on our motor yachts and represent the company at major boat shows,” Riviera safety and training manager Adam Houlahan said.

“We coach these young people to take advantage of all of the opportunities that Riviera has to offer.”

Potential apprentices and their teachers are invited to information sessions at the Riviera factory in July each year, with a Year 11 work experience placement and a Year 12 school-based apprenticeship available.

“Our philosophy is that to build world class luxury motor yachts, we need to create world class craftsmen and women,” Riviera owner Tony Longhurst, a TAFE-qualified carpenter and joiner, said.

“We welcome the next generation of master boat builders to our industry and are proud that they will receive high quality training from our exceptional team.”

Longhurst said nine out of 10 of Riviera’s apprentices had continued to work for the boat-maker after completing their four years of training.

Anyone seeking an apprenticeship with Riviera can apply online.