News - BIA Careers Day

Skills shortages and the difficulty to attract new talent are still of concern to the boating industry, says BIA of NSW, adding that larger concerns are the limitations this places on the industry’s stretched resources capacity and downward pressure on industry growth.

In an industry that is both diverse and dynamic there is an abundance of career pathways awaiting young people with an interest in spending their lives around boats, it said, and to promote this, the BIA said it held a Careers Day and launched a new Cadetship Program at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show.

Among those providing inspiration and guidance to the up-and-coming talent were Glenn Bourke (CEO, Hamilton Island), Ken Evans (director, Ken Evans Consulting), Mike Jarvin (managing director, Advanced Marina Management), Joe Goddard (director, Go Marine) and Mike Rees (production manager, Seawind Catamarans).

The BIA said the Careers Day gave 2010 aspiring school leavers an inspirational, interesting and entertaining window to not only the range of career pathways within the industry and how to get started, but also an exciting “behind the scenes” peek at its showcase event – the boat show itself.

“With this impressive backdrop setting the scene, students, careers advisors and parents were able to talk one-to-one with the people in the know, learning from their experiences, and gaining valuable answers to their all important questions about taking that first step,” said BIA.

Rees from Seawind, himself a relatively “new kid on the block” in comparison with the other industry figures sharing their experiences, said of the day, “I think it was an excellent thing for the kids/vocational teachers that attended, and I hope it brings some good new faces into our industry.”

Also on hand to help the next generation step up to the plate were representatives from State Training Services, Australian Business Limited Apprenticeship Centre, TAFE, Marina Industry Association of Australia, NSW Maritime, and directors from the BIA plus members — providing a huge wealth of experience and knowledge under one roof.

“Opening up a world of possibilities was just one step towards inspiring new talent to ‘get on board’ — the next is to give a helping hand to those seriously committed to a life in the industry,” said BIA. “With this firmly planted in the mind of BIA, the Boating Industry Cadetship Program was launched ? a two-year program that will combine real-life, hands-on work experience with formal study and qualifications relevant to the industry, which will set them in good stead for a long, successful career within the boating industry.”

A pilot for the Cadetship program is planned to take place in Sydney in 2011, and focus on students due to complete Year 12 in 2010.

More details and how to apply will be released over the next few months.

For more information, visit www.bia.org.au or email: training@bia.org.au with your contact details to be kept up to date.

Photo: Ken Evans, director of Ken Evans Consulting, was one of several marine industry players who provided advice during the BIA Careers Day at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show.