Attracting youngsters to the industry

by Bob Wonders on 11 Aug 2008 Urging youngsters to seriously consider work on the marine industry, BIA general manager Roy Privett described it as “an industry where work skills and lifestyle intermingle".

Sixty Career Advisers from high schools across NSW were guests of the Boating Industry Association of NSW at the final day of the Sydney International Boat Show.

Their visit marked the launch of the association’s publication, ‘NSW Marine Industry Careers Guide’, a superb 36-page book detailing every opportunity within the industry available for school-leavers.

An initial print run of 10,000 copies will enable the association to deliver copies to all high schools across NSW, with an additional print run to be carried out prior to a new edition being published next year.

“We have invited all Career Advisers, all of whom are qualified high school teachers, to provide us with feedback and any relevant suggestions that may improve the publication,” BIA of NSW general manager, Roy Privett explained.

During their visit, the Career Advisers were addressed by a number of prominent industry leaders.

They included Privett, Bill Breakspear, president of the Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association and head teacher at TAFE and Michael Jarvin, chairman, Marine Brokers Association.

Other speakers included Ross Brown, head teacher of Ship and Boat Building, TAFE, Steve Busuttil, teacher, marine trimming and sail making, TAFE, and Ms Liz Paine, director, Learning Insight.

Representatives of the Marina Industries Association, NSW Maritime and the National Training Information Service also met with the advisers.

The excellent publication has been set out in nine informative chapters.

They cover Boat Building, Fit-out and re-fit, Slipway and repairs, Marina Services, Trailer boat servicing and sales, Professional support services, Boat operation, Marine tourism and Apprentices and traineeships in boating.

Each chapter is broken up into specifics, ranging from naval architecture to marina management, sail maker to upholsterer and marine trimmer, cabinet maker to production manager.

Urging youngsters to seriously consider work on the marine industry, Mr Privett described it as “an industry where work skills and lifestyle intermingle.”

“There is considerable satisfaction to be gained from work skills learned and applied in an environment working on and around boats of all sizes,” he added.

“The Australian marine industry is highly diverse, where 2700 companies employ more than 29,000 people and generate a $5.5 billion turnover, including more than $750 million annually in exports.

“Our industry can offer young people endless opportunities, from small craft to superyachts, engines to sails, boat building to repair and maintenance, marine equipment to electronics and marina management to marine tourism.

“At the Boating Industry Association of NSW we're only too pleased to take enquiries from teachers, career advisers, students and job seekers and we stand ready to assist newcomers to our industry with practical support and encouragement,” he added.

For further information or to obtain a copy of ‘NSW Marine Industry Careers Guide’,
Contact the Boating Industry Association of NSW, Crows Nest, NSW, telephone (02) 9438-2077.