Riviera names 2020’s top apprentices
Five winners named across four year levels as Riviera ramps up its 2021 apprenticeship programRiviera has named five of its apprentices in the 2020 version of its annual Apprentice of the Year awards.
The five internal awards follow on from Riviera apprentices either winning or making the finals in a number of external apprenticeship awards, “showcasing the depth of talent within the company’s workforce”, Riviera said.
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The announcement comes as Riviera said it would expand its apprenticeship program for 2021 with the inclusion of fitter/welder and varnish apprenticeships.
Riviera’s 2020 Apprentice of the Year winners were named as fourth-year timber and composites machining apprentice Joel Neucom, third-year apprentice Miguel Drescher-Paler, second-year apprentice Zack Tagget; and first-year apprentice joint winners Joe Moxey and Jake Smith.
The internal awards follow on from Riviera first-year apprentice Albert Michell being named a winner in the TAFE Apprentice of the Year award for marine craft construction, and Kial Lundin-Bingham, a third-year marine craft construction apprentice, being named a finalist.
Other apprenticeship awards include:
- Lauren Abbott winning an Australian Industry Trade College award for her skills as a school-based cabinet-making apprentice
- Boatbuilding apprentice Bailey Sivyer named a finalist in this year’s inaugural Australian Marine Export Group Apprentice of the Year category
Job satisfaction
Fourth-year apprenticeship winner Joel Neucom, who is now fully qualified in his trade, has previously won Riviera’s top apprentice award as a first-year.
“Starting with raw timber and creating something beautiful from it gives me a lot of satisfaction,” Neucom said.
“It’s very hands-on and I especially enjoy seeing that perfect finish when the boat is launched.”
Neuman said everyone at Riviera was proud to be working at the boatbuilder.
“I reckon there isn’t a better place to start your career in the marine industry than as an apprentice at Riviera,” he said.
Third-year engineering apprentice winner Miguel Drescher-Paler has also won his second Rivera award after also winning last year.
“There’s a great team atmosphere at Riviera and that shows in the workmanship and effort everyone puts into their trade,” Drescher-Paler said.
“I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined through my apprenticeship and it has given me the confidence to accept a team-leader role in my area of work.”
Education program
Riviera’s apprentices are all required to take part in the company’s Propel program that combines education in work with life skills such as leadership, accountability, communication, personal relationships and money management.
Second-year marine craft construction apprentice winner Zack Tagget – his role involves building and fitting out of the superstructures of Riviera motor yachts – said he was looking forward to a long-term career with the company.
“The job we do is quite unique because there aren’t too many places where you can build awesome motor yachts of 60 feet or more. The work I do is really interesting and so rewarding,” he said.
“Questions are always encouraged at Riviera, and that’s an important part of the team culture. We work collaboratively and that makes it a great place to work.”
Enthusiasm for learning
Meanwhile, first-year electrotechnology apprentice Joe Moxey said he had developed a new-found enthusiasm for learning.
“I have this habit of trying to get things perfect every time,” Moxey said. “We see it in the work of every member of our team and in the motor yachts we build.
"The people who know Riviera know what we do and that gives us a sense of pride every time a finished boat is lowered into the water for the first time.”
Joint winner and first-year electrotechnology apprentice Jake Smith said his recognition in the annual awards had motivated him to learn more about his trade.
“Riviera is a great place for learning because we are always expected to complete tasks well above a standard quality,” Smith said.
“Working as a team makes that even easier because everyone is there to support one another to create motor yachts that people really appreciate.”
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the luxury motor yacht maker’s apprentices were the genesis of the next generation of master boat builders.
“It is with great pride that we acknowledge the support of the exceptional team at Riviera who provide high quality training, mentoring and support that encourages each of our apprentices to excel in their careers and in life generally,” Longhurst said.
“This is the foundation of our philosophy that to build world-class luxury motor yachts, we must train and create world-class craftsmen and women.”
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