GCCM training focus

“GCCM’s Marine Trades Academy will provide a well-located skills, training and employment support system with almost guaranteed job opportunities,” said GCCM CEO Trenton Gay.

“This will include apprenticeships and traineeships into one of the 90 plus marine businesses that operate within GCCM, or further afield for marine trades businesses in other parts of Queensland or Australia.

“Our GCCM Marine Trades Academy will leverage DGT’s expertise to marry up and match the needs of marine businesses with the right candidates to make it seamless and easy for both employers and school leavers, job-seekers, qualified tradespeople and others looking for career and job opportunities.”

Trent said the establishment of the GCCM Marine Trades Academy will further compliment the $11.8-million TAFE Queensland Marine Centre of Excellence. The centre is due to open in the Coomera marine precinct, with programs commencing early 2023.

“GCCM is excited to partner with DGT to create a structured, centralised employment hub onsite to drive skills development and provide pathways and a pipeline of skilled workers for the marine businesses that we support,” said Trent.

“Australia is being recognised internationally now for the quality of marine trades we offer so it is important that we enhance the flow of job opportunities and talent within the industry.”

DGT specialise in providing expert workforce employment and development services for businesses across Queensland and Australia.

“We are delighted to be partnering with GCCM and believe the Academy will revolutionise and pave an easier way into the local marine industry,” said Kris McCue, CEO of DGT.

“Through the formation of the GCCM Marine Trades Academy, our aim is to develop a robust understanding of the needs of the marine businesses based onsite, which can be complex because of the breadth of scope of marine trades and skills required. Together, we hope to develop customised skills training, employment pathways and other programs to meet these specific needs.

“From our centralised base at GCCM, we’ll also provide ongoing support, skills training and mentoring to assist students, trainees and existing workers looking to increase their skills in the industry,” he continued.

“The pathways created will enable people seeking traineeships and apprenticeships in particular to complete work experience with leading marine businesses located in the shipyard to get the start they are wanting in the industry.”

Businesses needing fresh labour and talents can tap into government funding for apprenticeships through the GCCM Marine Trades Academy.

“We already have an intake open for 30 federally government-funded internship positions, enabling businesses to connect with new trainees at no cost or risk outlay to businesses wishing to trial these new talents,” said Kris.

“Many of our academy trainees or course participants are aged between 17 and 24 and from a variety of different backgrounds but quite often are those seeking pathways from unemployment to employment. The GCCM Marine Trades Academy will provide the perfect opportunity for candidates to find the right job for them within the industry.”

According to the Boating Industry Association, the marine industry in 2021 directly employed more than 27,000 people.

GCCM has been an epicentre for marine projects that generate a plethora of local jobs. M/Y Lady Christine, a 68-metre Feadship, recently travelled from Indonesia to undergo an extensive six-month refit at GCCM.

Projects like this support dozens of local businesses, provide employment for hundreds of marine trades and offer substantial benefits to the Gold Coast economy.

For more than 20 years, GCCM has created a solid foundation of skill and talent to ensure that its facility continues to provide cutting edge services and craftsmanship for domestic and international vessels.

“GCCM’s ongoing success is highly dependent on the skills and experience of our trades,” Trent said.

“It’s vital that we continue to maintain the workforce of strong and competent trades that we have been globally recognised for since we first opened the gates over 22 years ago.”

With a 20-hectare Stage 2 facility in the pipeline, GCCM will continue to invest in new infrastructure and equipment, which will certainly require a workforce that is ready to meet the future needs and demands of an ever-increasing customer base.

gccm.com