Top apprentices honoured at Sydney Boat Show

According to the BIA, the Apprentice of the Year Award is designed to recognise the outstanding contribution that apprentices provide to the marine industry and the importance of developing a strong future for training and careers.

The marine industry reported a turnover of $9.55 billion in 2021 and directly employed more than 26,000 people with thousands more working as contractors.

Companies within the marine industry sector typically employ fewer than six people, with yard services, new boat sales and mooring/marina businesses the most prominent sectors within the industry.

With 75 per cent of the boat trade classed as small businesses, the need for a trained and skilled workforce is key and apprentices are an important part of the industry’s future, particularly in a time when many in the industry are vocal about a shortage in skilled staff.

Apprentice of the Year nominees are assessed on their achievements throughout their apprenticeship, their personal development and their contribution to the business.

The winner of the 2022 Apprentice of the Year, Stefanie Mannering, is a fourth-year apprentice boat builder with Cruise Craft Boats based in Brisbane, and “is a committed employee who has demonstrated leadership and teamwork, whilst maintaining kindness, honesty, zest and humour in everything that she does,” according to the BIA.

She is a key member of Cruise Craft’s boat production team, assembling the company’s newest model, the F360 Centre Console.

From left; BIA Ltd Vice President Adam Smith, Stefanie Mannering and Tim James MP

In the State award category, the NSW Apprentice of the Year for 2022 went to Joel Hercus (Callaghans Marine Services, below middle), while Stefanie also claimed Queensland Apprentice of the year.

From left; BIA Ltd Vice President Adam Smith, Joel Hercus and Tim James MP

The winners were presented with a trophy, a certificate and a $500 voucher for trade tools of their choice, while Stefanie received an additional $500 voucher as the overall winner.

“A well-trained and skilled workforce is the lifeblood of the boating sector and the BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards are a way of recognising extraordinary talent,” said BIA Vice President Adam Smith.

“BIA has a strong commitment to support and promote education, skills and jobs in marine.

“The marine industry offers a variety of career pathways, working on and around some of the best waterways in the world. Apprenticeships offer anyone interested in a career in the marine sector the opportunity to learn a trade in our industry.”