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The Chief Executive Officer’s from GCIT (Gold Coast Institute of TAFE) and Riviera Australia joined forces to launch the GCIT Marine Training Centre at the Riviera headquarters in Coomera.
GCIT CEO, Aaron Devine and Riviera Australia CEO, Wes Moxey together hand-sawed a plywood banner to mark the official launch of the facility which is a training hub for more than 100 Apprentices studying Marine Mechanical technology and Marine Craft Construction as well as school-based students studying the Certificate I in Boating.
Mr Devine said the Institute is incredibly pleased to have such an essential role in Australia’s marine industry.
“The Institute has a long and well established history with Riviera. We are incredibly pleased to again play such a vital role in training Australia’s marine industry professionals and we are honoured to be an integral part of the Gold Coast’s recovering marine industry,” he said.
“A skilled and educated workforce is essential to not only the industry’s growth and development but also the regions.
“The GCIT Marine Training Centre is an example of how the Institute works closely with industry to provide an interesting and motivating learning environment for apprentices equipped with the latest equipment and cutting edge training.”
Mr Moxey said Riviera was extremely proud to be the home of the new GCIT Marine Training Centre.
“This training centre, located within Riviera’s 14-hectare world-class Coomera headquarters, provides a great facility for the Gold Coast marine precinct and the Australian boating industry,” he said.
“Each year thousands of boats are designed, manufactured, serviced, and refitted within the precinct and we feel honoured to be a part of this very unique training program, which will have an integral role in supporting the growth of the marine industry in the years ahead.
“Where else in the world can apprentices combine boat building theory and training with practical on the job experience in the one location within the largest boat building facility in the country.
“Apprentices will learn valuable practical and life skills by being completely immersed in the marine industry, in a place of motivation and inspiration where they can see new world-class boats under construction as well as witness the completed boats being launched.”
First year Riviera boat-building apprentice Nathaniel D’Ambrosia took part in the opening ceremony sharing his experiences as one of the first new apprentices in the program.
“Since beginning my apprenticeship in January I have had the opportunity to work in various departments, including new product development where we are working on a brand new model. Each apprentice rotates to a different department every three months, which gives us an opportunity to experience all aspects of boat building before selecting our specialist areas later in our apprenticeship,” Nathaniel said.
“Riviera has provided me with a unique opportunity to combine my interest in construction with an interesting and rewarding career in the marine industry. The training provided here at the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Marine Training Centre truly immerses us in the marine industry because we can combine our study with practical hands-on experience all in the one location.
“We have the opportunity to go from the classroom to a world-class factory and see first-hand how these beautiful boats are constructed, from design through to the finished product in the marina and upon completion of my apprenticeship, I look forward to the many opportunities that Riviera can provide, including international travel and career progression.”
Minister for Education, Training and Employment, John-Paul Langbroek said the collaboration with GCIT and Riviera would not only provide opportunities for budding apprentices but it would also benefit the wider marine community.
“This partnership is an investment in the local marine industry,” Mr Langbroek said.
“These apprentices are going to gain valuable skills that will lead to jobs.
“I’m proud to support this program that will help boost employment opportunities on the Gold Coast and contribute to the growth of a strong economy.”
Riviera has enjoyed a period of continued growth while training and developing staff to become Australia’s future boat builders in a vibrant and exciting industry.