A highlight of the Riviera Sanctuary Cove showcase is the Festival of Boating, an exclusive, three-day event created for the Riviera family.
Riviera continues to set the benchmark for world-class craftsmanship – embodied in its state-of-the-art Academy of Excellence, officially opened in January 2024 and now training 128 apprentices.
“Never stop learning. Never see work as a dirty word. Never stop believing in yourself.”
Not only do these words adorn the walls of the Riviera Academy of Excellence – Riviera’s apprentice training facility – but they are also a philosophy; a blueprint for success, expressed by Riviera owner and former carpenter and joinery apprentice, Rodney Longhurst. Rodney’s journey – from apprentice to the helm of one of the world’s leading luxury motor yacht builders – is a testament to this lived mindset.
At Riviera, the next generation of craftspeople is now fully immersed in the marine industry being trained and mentored by Australia’s most experienced boat builders, marine engineers, electricians and upholsterers.
Beyond technical training, apprentices also participate in the Riviera Propel Program, which equips them with life skills, including personal growth, financial literacy, responsibility and teamwork – fostering success in all aspects of their life.
Riviera is proud that their unwavering commitment to training, and mentorship has been recognised with the esteemed Australian Apprenticeships Leadership Medal 2025.
The award was presented to Keira Badke, Riviera’s Apprentice and Training Manager, at the inaugural Manufacturing Industries Group Apprenticeship Scheme (MIGAS) Apprentices & Trainees Stakeholder event in Brisbane in February. Held during National Apprenticeship Week, the event highlighted the bright future of the trades industry and recognised outstanding contributions through a series of prestigious awards.
Keira Badke, Riviera’s Apprentice and Training Manager, proudly accepts the MIGAS award in Brisbane.
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The Riviera Academy of Excellence, shaping the next generation of skilled craftspeople.
Riviera Propel Program in action, with owner Rodney Longhurst mentoring apprentices (Left).
“Our tremendous investment in our Academy of Excellence reflects our long-term support for all of our team.”
RODNEY LONGHURST
“They really are the master craftsmen and women of the future and from their very first day with Riviera we want our apprentices to know that we will do all we can to help them be the best they can be,” said Keira Badke.
Now in its 45th year of operation, Riviera has continued to define and set the standard for world class craftsmanship, and this is reflected in the ethos and curriculum offered at its onsite purpose-built Academy of Excellence which officially opened in January 2024. Currently training around 128 apprentices, the Academy boasts a 680 square metre state-of-the-art facility comprising two fully operational workshops, two learning hubs including a dedicated drafting room, offices and a meeting room.
“Our tremendous investment in our Academy of Excellence reflects our long-term support for all of our team,” said Rodney Longhurst.
Riviera recognises MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees, whose dedication to shaping careers in trades has transformed lives since 1988.
Through mentorship, hands on learning and a focus on excellence, Riviera is not just building world class motor yachts – it is helping develop the future of young Australians.
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