“The sector contributes $1.2 billion+ annually to the local economy and requires a growing skilled workforce to keep pace with demand.

“This program enables young people to earn while they learn, by living and working locally while they gain qualifications, taking advantage of the Gold Coast lifestyle and the support of family and friends.

“We also have an industry making some of the best boats and marine products.

The industry however has a huge demand when it comes to jobs and skills, with 90 percent of the industry concerned about availability of skilled labour, and 88 percent concerned about a shortage of apprentices.”

Boating is a thoroughly Australian pastime. The latest BIA National Recreational Boating Statement found boating participation was set to reach more than 6 million by 2030, when there would be 1 million registered boats and Australians were expected to spend $20 billion on getting out on the water in all forms of watercraft.

Behind the recreation is a manufacturing, service and support industry that directly employs 24,500 people, with an additional 10,000+ contractors supporting over 2,000 businesses. As of August 2025, the sector has a record turnover of $10.2 billion. Including broader commercial marine activities, the total workforce supported is significantly higher, with some reports indicating over 35,000 in trades and services to 137,262 full-time equivalent jobs.

In a recent move to address demand for marine jobs, TAFE Queensland has partnered with the BIA to support the delivery of its Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (Marine) and Certificate II in Automotive Preparation (Marine) courses for Year 11 students, commencing in Term 2. Through these partnerships with TAFE Queensland and the Industry School, young people can explore a range of trades and programs before choosing a career pathway in the Gold Coast’s booming boat building and marine industry.

TAFE Queensland operates marine training facilities at the purpose-built Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence adjacent to the Coomera marine precinct. The campus features specialised workshops for boat building, marine mechanics, fiberglass and composites, and businesses at The Boat Works are eager to accept apprentices to learn alongside their experienced craftspeople.

General Manager of TAFE Queensland’s Gold Coast region, Robert Petherbridge commented, “Our training is shaped in partnership with employers, so students complete with job-ready skills that lead to real employment outcomes.

TAFE Queensland is committed to helping students achieve their career aspirations while providing employers with a strong pipeline of skilled workers for the future.”

Some recent examples include a current TAFE Queensland student who is working with Stella Marine, learning the trade of welding and fabrication within their high-tech workshop at The Boat Works. While marine engineering specialist, Watson Marine has welcomed an apprentice from The Industry School who is getting hands-on experience in manufacturing and maintenance of boat propellors and running gear.

The Boat Works is Australia’s most comprehensive boat yard and serves as a vital pit stop for both domestic and international vessels. Recognised and awarded for its clean, green operations, The Boat Works spans 55 acres across two world-class facilities, including the purpose-built Superyacht Yard which attracts hundreds of vessels from around the country and internationally to its impressive facilities each year.

There are more than 100 businesses on-site, and around 1,000 skilled craftsmen, technicians and marine specialists who deliver world-class refit, maintenance and service solutions.

The Boat Works’ owner, Tony Longhurst commented, “The Boat Works is proof that when you invest locally, you create real jobs and real opportunities.

“Each new stage we deliver welcomes more boats, more marine trades and more apprenticeships to the Gold Coast. With over 1,000 people working onsite every day, this precinct is helping power Australia’s marine industry. But with demand continuing to grow, we need to act now, creating more educational opportunities and real career pathways to future-proof the next generation of skilled marine workers.”

theboatworks.com.au
bia.org.au