Riviera apprentices graduate as skilled tradesmen

by Stephen Milne on 11 Jul 2010 It was a proud moment for Riviera's newest recruits who graduated from their four year apprenticeship program with the company this month.

Lachlan Dumesny, Boyd Ellis, Hollan Camery and Alex Warsing began their careers in the marine industry as school based apprentices in 2005 and through hard-work and dedication they have now gained nationally recognised qualifications as skilled tradesmen.

HR Manager Deanne Lugton said it was a huge achievement and commended their commitment and work ethic.

'I am immensely proud to see the level of dedication and commitment portrayed by these young men and I commend them on their achievement,' she said.

Riviera's multi award-winning training program is a huge investment, which has produced hundreds of highly skilled tradesmen with nationally recognised qualifications since the program's inception in 1997. The school based apprentice program started in 1997 but Riviera took on its first apprentice in 1988.

Lachlan Dumesny who works in Fit Out One said a highlight of his apprenticeship was in 2006 when he was nominated for Riviera's Star Performer award and received the school-based Vocation Education award and also the national Vocation Education award.

'I like working in the factory environment and in Fit Out One I work on the initial stages of the boat which is usually hidden behind cabinetry and upholstery. When I have fitted something to the hull or rolled a piece of fibreglass, it's nice to look at it and know that I have done a good job and done it correctly,' Lachlan said.

Boyd Ellis said in Fit Out Two he worked on the final stages of the production process and it was a great feeling to see a finished boat come together.

'We all work together to finish the boat on time and to the highest possible quality, which is a massive challenge and extremely satisfying,' Boyd said.

Hollan Camery enjoys his role in lamination because of the diverse range of work.

'I have learnt skills in fibreglassing, timber and detailing. I like working in the marine industry because it is interesting and different.'

Alex Warsing graduated as a qualified electrician.

Mrs Lugton said it was pleasing to see enthusiastic, young people keen to work in the marine industry and Riviera would continue to grow its apprentice program.

To this end the company will be recruiting new school based apprentices later this year.

For more information about Riviera's apprentice program visit www.riviera.com.au

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.

For more information, please go to www.riviera.com.au