The countdown is on to Australia’s biggest Boat Show!
We sit down with Apprentice and Training Manager, Keira Badke, and Second-Year Apprentice, Maddison Tuskin, to discuss their career journeys so far, who inspires them, and the advice they have for women interested in pursuing a career in the marine manufacturing industry.
A big high five to our inspiring female members working across our manufacturing facility, in our offices, dealerships and across the Pacific in our Florida operations. Happy International Women’s Day!
This International Women’s Day (IWD), we celebrate our inspiring female members working across our manufacturing facility, in our offices, and across the Pacific in our Florida operations. We thank you for your dedication and for being a part of the Riviera family.
To recognise the day, we sat down with Apprentice and Training Manager, Keira Badke, and Second-Year Apprentice, Maddison Tuskin, to discuss their career journeys so far, who inspires them, and the advice they have for women interested in pursuing a career in the marine manufacturing industry.
KEIRA BADKE, APPRENTICE AND TRAINING MANAGER
Hi Keira, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
The United Nations theme this year is ‘Invest in Women’ and as the Apprentice and Training Manager, I’m excited to be part of a company that is investing in the careers of women through our trades program and internal career opportunities. This year, we opened the Riviera Academy of Excellence where we welcomed 12 new female apprentices. This is a record number for Riviera, and a number we hope continues to grow every year.
"Our students inspire me every day. Seeing a young person leave school, and be able to guide them through their trade, to then become a successful tradesperson is very rewarding.”
KEIRA BADKE, RIVIERA APPRENTICE AND TRAINING MANAGER
Tell us about your career journey so far!
I joined Riviera seven years ago. I started as a Safety and Training Coordinator, and in May last year I was promoted to Apprentice and Training Manager. It’s an amazing time to be in the role as the first female Training Manager.
Who inspires you?
Our students inspire me every day. Seeing a young person leave school, and being able to guide them through their trade, to then see them become a successful tradesperson, is very rewarding. I also enjoy that I’m able to be part of my students’ special moments in life – such as seeing them buy their first home, start a family, or take an overseas holiday.
What advice do you have for women looking to join the marine industry?
Marine manufacturing is a rewarding industry, and we hope to employ more and more women every year. If you’re interested in joining Riviera, reach out! We’d be more than happy to answer any questions.
From left to right: Maddison Tuskin and Keira Badke share what International Women’s Day means to them.
This International Women’s Day, we thank you for your dedication and for being a part of the Riviera family.
MADDISON TUSKIN, SECOND-YEAR APPRENTICE – MARINE CRAFT CONSTRUCTION
Hi Maddison, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, International Women’s Day is appreciating women worldwide, and what they contribute and bring as individuals.
Tell us about your career journey so far!
I joined Riviera in 2023 after graduating high school. I’m currently completing my trade in Marine Craft Construction. I always wanted to be on the tools, and when the opportunity came along to work with Riviera, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been given incredible opportunities since joining and I look forward to seeing where my career takes me. My goal is to one day be a team leader, work in management, and eventually be able to build my own boat!
“To me, International Women’s Day is about appreciating women worldwide, and what they contribute and bring as individuals.”
MADDISON TUSKIN
Who inspires you?
The whole team at Riviera inspires me. From the information night when I was first shown Riviera and what a career could look like, it’s exceeded my expectations and been an uplifting workplace. It has its own community feel, and we really are one big family supporting each other.
What advice do you have for women looking to join the marine manufacturing industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is a different career path for women, but the industry is always evolving, and we would like to see more women join us in the future. I’m always happy to answer questions from school-leavers or those looking to change careers.
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