Your partner, resource and pathway to your new career.
Apprenticeship and employment opportunities in the boating and marine industry.
Your boating career starts here!
Providing training, education, employment opportunities and a pathway to the industry.
Apprenticeships
Explore boating apprenticeships in mechanics, boat building and marine trimming
Work Experience
Try out the industry with work experience or structured work-based learning
An initiative of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria.
Bridging the gap between industry demand and available skilled workers by providing training, education, and employment opportunities in the boating sector. By partnering with industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government agencies, Boating Careers aims to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for the marine industry in Victoria.
Have a question?
Frequently asked questions, answered.
The boating industry offers a wide range of career paths, including marine mechanics, shipwrights, boat designers, sales and marketing professionals, marine electricians, and more. You can work in manufacturing, service and repair, retail, or even in roles related to the tourism and hospitality aspects of the industry.
Entry requirements vary depending on the career path you choose. Some roles require formal qualifications such as certificates or diplomas in marine mechanics or shipbuilding, while others may only require on-the-job training or apprenticeships. Higher-level positions may require degrees in marine engineering or naval architecture.
Starting a career in the boating industry typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship or training program, or obtaining a certification in a relevant field. Networking with industry professionals, attending boating expos, and participating in internships or work experience programs can also be beneficial.
An apprenticeship is a structured training program where you gain hands-on experience while studying towards a nationally-recognized qualification. To apply, you can check with training organizations, local businesses, or search on industry job boards. The Boating Careers website often lists apprenticeship opportunities as they become available.
The boating industry values a mix of technical and soft skills. Important skills include mechanical knowledge, electrical know-how, attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and customer service. Depending on the specific role, specialized skills like welding, carpentry, and marine electronics may also be highly valuable.
Absolutely! Many skills from other industries, such as automotive mechanics, electrical work, carpentry, or sales, are transferable to the boating industry. You may need to take some additional training or courses to fill in specific knowledge gaps, but transitioning is definitely possible.
Boating Careers proudly supporting Better Boating Victoria (BBV) and Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA)
We are proud to support Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), Better Boating Victoria (BBV), and Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB). The VFA leads the way in sustainable fishing, resource sharing, and enhancing the economic, social, and cultural value of Victoria’s fisheries. Through initiatives like the Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy, BBV reinvest vessel registration and licence fees to make boating more accessible.
Congratualtions James Heritage,
KGM SsangYong,
Apprentice of the Year
James is this years outstanding winner of the KGM SsangYong Apprentice of the year competition. James is a 4th apprentice studying Cert III Engineering Fabrication at GoTafe and works for Anchorage Houseboats building some of the most luxurious housboats Australia has to offer.
