Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst praised the efforts of the company’s Australasian dealer network and the award winners on behalf of the Riviera team and the Riviera family of yacht owners.
Three outstanding apprentices have been recognised for their commitment to the company and the craft of building luxury yachts in the 2025 Riviera Apprentice of the Year Awards.
These awards were created to highlight those apprentices who consistently excel, not only in their trade but proactively contribute to the positive culture, reputation and future of Australia’s luxury yacht builder.
From the left: Riviera Apprentice 2025 Award recipients – second year Marine Craft Construction apprentice, Cameron Blondell (Honourable Mention), first year Marine Craft Construction apprentice Hunter Tuck (Riviera Apprentice of the Year) and first year Engineering apprentice, Blake van der Net (Honourable Mention).
Operating from a 16.8ha facility on the Gold Coast, Riviera has a team of more than 950 onsite, of which around 110 are apprentices.
Based on nominations received from factory managers, supervisors and mentors, finalists in the annual award are selected based on attitude, initiative and work ethic.
To be considered, apprentices must demonstrate pride in all their actions. They must have a quality mindset, strong communication skills, show initiative in their own development and provide a positive contribution to the wider team.
The Overall Riviera Apprentice of the Year was awarded to first year Marine Craft Construction apprentice Hunter Tuck, who excelled with his 100 per cent attendance rate and has continually provided support when requested.
Hunter Tuck proudly receives his award from Rodney Longhurst at the end-of-year Christmas team appreciation event.
“I’ve always wanted to build boats and when this opportunity came up to build Riviera motor yachts that are known all around the world, it was a dream come true.”
Hunter Tuck
“To me, this award means being recognised for my work and the skills I’ve developed”, said Hunter Tuck.
“This year I’ve learned to work with lots of different materials whilst advancing my skills in motor yacht construction.
“Through Propel I’ve learned to be independent, how to save money, to set goals and now I am way more confident that I can work in such a big company with so many different people and trades.
“I’ve always wanted to build boats and when this opportunity came up to build Riviera motor yachts that are known all around the world, it was a dream come true”.
Justin Leigh-Smith – Riviera Instructor announcing the Riviera Apprentice of the Year awards at the end of year Christmas team appreciation event.
“At Riviera we always want to recognise those who are doing well.”
Justin Leigh-Smith
Two Honourable Mentions were included in the awards this year. These were given to second year Marine Craft Construction apprentice, Cameron Blondell and first year Engineering apprentice, Blake van der Net.
Riviera Australia Senior Instructor, Justin Leigh-Smith said the award winner received a $500 Visa Gift voucher among other prizes.
“This award was presented at our end of year team Christmas appreciation event. There is certainly a level of prestige having this award announced and presented in front of your peers and over 900 people,” Justin Leigh-Smith said.
“At Riviera we always want to recognise those who are doing well and we believe that this inspires others to strive to be in this same position one day as well.
Cameron Blondell (top) and Blake van der Net (above) receive their award from Rodney Longhurst.
“Our Apprentice of the Year, Hunter Tuck is very focused and dedicated and we have created a culture within our training program to support all of our apprentices to be their best.”
Riviera’s home for training is the Academy of Excellence, which integrates classroom learning with live production experience enabling apprentices to learn in real-world environments.
Offering a holistic training experience through the Riviera Propel in Excellence Program, apprentices learn leadership training, communication skills, financial literacy and personal growth.
“It’s important for our apprentices to see that someone cares about them, that someone wants to see them do well.”
Rodney Longhurst
Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said those apprentices who excelled possessed “passion and determination and had learned to believe in themselves”.
“We are always instilling in our apprentices an attitude of ‘I’m going to give it everything I’ve got’,” he said.
“With our Propel Program, it’s important for our apprentices to see that someone cares about them, that someone wants to see them do well.
“My hope is that through our training, our apprentices are willing to break any self-imposed ceilings or comfort zones that perhaps might be holding them back and that just means that we’re nurturing more great young Australians.”
MORE RIVIERA NEWS
Riviera has been awarded the gold Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award for innovative improvements in training and beneficial outcomes for trainees and apprentices.
Riviera will proudly present the World Premiere of its superb 5600 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition as part of an exceptional showcase at the Miami Beach Yacht Collection Show.
Riviera’s owner looks back with pride at a year full of achievements for the team right around the world.