Top apprentice honoured
At the 55th Sydney International Boat Show, Michaela Douglas was awarded 2024 Apprentice of the Year.
08 August 2024
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BIA President Adam Smith said during the Apprentice of the Year Award presentation at the official opening of the Sydney International Boat Show, “I’m delighted to see Michaela, who is the third generation of this wonderful family business, recognised in this way by industry.
“Michaela at only 22 has already started her second trade qualification in Automotive Electrical Technologies, having just finished her Marine Mechanical Apprenticeship – a testament to her commitment to be the very best she can be, demonstrating her enthusiasm for continual learning and development.
“It’s fantastic to see our members taking such pride in their apprentices and providing them with the very best support to develop their skills and experience, none more so than our overall winner.”
The BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 drew a strong field of nominees from a range of member businesses, including boatbuilders, boatyards, marine dealers and global OEMs. A shortlist of 10 finalists was interviewed by the judging panel with three very worthy state winners, along with three deserving highly commended nominees.
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Adam Smith said, “The calibre and enthusiasm of our industry apprentices was wonderful to witness during the course of a very tightly contested judging process – congratulations to all who entered, we wish you the very best for you ongoing careers in the boating industry.”
Upon receiving her award, Michaela thanked her parents for their support and encouragement, and said she was genuinely passionate about the marine industry and thrilled for the recognition of her dedication.
The BIA Apprentice of the Year Award is designed to recognise the exceptional contributions of apprentices to the marine industry and highlight the importance of training and career development within the sector.
This prestigious award is open to any fourth-year apprentice working with a BIA member company. State-specific recognitions will be awarded for Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, with an overall winner announced at the Sydney International Boat Show in August.
Nominations are evaluated based on their achievements and contributions to their employer, attitude and willingness to learn and contribute to the industry.
2024 Apprentice of the Year (state winners and finalists)
The judges chose three State winners for 2024.
- NSW Apprentice of the Year – Michaela Douglas, a Marine Mechanical apprentice at Douglas Marine
- Queensland Apprentice of the Year – Simon Magnay, a Fixed and Mobile Plant apprentice at Riviera
- Victoria Apprentice of the Year – Dimitri Giannikopoulos, a Marine Mechanical apprentice at Mercury Marine
In very close judging, three finalists were selected for highly commended nominations.
- Daniel Rogers, Northern Beaches Marine, NSW
- Justin Savy, On Point Shipwright Group, NSW
- Manning Elms, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD
Along with other award finalists also worthy of recognition, including:
- Zac Mackenzie, Onboard Marine Services, NSW
- Max Robinson, R Marine Sydney, NSW
- Ethan Hawke, Sydney Watercraft Centre, NSW
- Alex Gardener, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD
Winners are honoured with a trophy and certificate, along with a $500 Repco voucher to put towards tools for each State winner, whilst the overall winner will receive a $1,000 Repco voucher as well as a trip for two to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Tasmania next February, including flights and accommodation.
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