Apprentice Profile – William Seddon
Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology
Employer: Leisure Sports Marine
Background & Journey
Growing up around the water at Martha Cove, William “Will” Seddon’s path into the marine industry began when he attended a local open boat day hosted by Nautek. A conversation there convinced him that marine mechanics offered the perfect blend of hands-on technical work and his love for the water — even more appealing than the automotive route he had first considered.
With a family background in farming and engines, Will’s mechanical instincts came naturally. He soon joined Leisure Sports Marine as an apprentice, where he quickly found his stride working on everything from Mercruiser and Suzuki engines to full-service fit-outs.
Skills & Achievements
Now in his second year, Will has developed exceptional technical skills and a strong diagnostic mindset. His capabilities include:
- Servicing and repairs of Mercruiser engines and drives
- Installation and servicing of Suzuki outboards
- Electrical diagnostics and troubleshooting across inboard and outboard systems
- Trailer servicing and mechanical inspections
- Applying precision and care to every task, from simple services to complex rebuilds
Will particularly enjoys diagnostic work — finding faults and solving problems others might find frustrating. One of his favourite jobs was rebuilding a 3L engine with low compression, performing valve clearance adjustments, and bringing it back to perfect running condition.
Work Ethic & Attitude
Will’s professionalism, punctuality, and attitude are second to none. He arrives early, stays late when needed, and always takes pride in doing things properly. He’s respected by both colleagues and customers for his calm, mature approach. As his nominator, David Meades, describes:
“As a second-year apprentice, Will is one of the best we’ve seen in 40 years of business.”
Will’s respectful upbringing shows in his manners and accountability. He’s always ready to learn, asks the right questions, and constantly strives to do better.
Growth & Development
Over just 16 months, Will’s progress has been remarkable. He learns fast, applies new knowledge confidently, and uses modern diagnostic tools and computer systems with ease. He’s determined to understand how things work — never giving up until he’s found the solution. His focus on professionalism, both in skill and mindset, makes him stand out among his peers.
Contribution to the Workplace
Will has quickly become an integral part of the Leisure Sports Marine team. His humour, quick wit, and reliability help maintain a positive workplace culture. He takes responsibility for his work, owns his mistakes, and continually sets a high standard for others. His leadership potential is already clear — he’s someone the team trusts and respects.
Future Potential
Will’s passion for water sports and mechanical excellence runs deep. With his drive, initiative, and integrity, he’s destined for a bright future in the marine industry. He dreams of one day owning Leisure Sports Marine — a goal his mentors believe is well within reach.
In His Own Words
“I love the variety — one day it’s a Mercruiser, the next it’s a Suzuki. I really enjoy diagnostics; I like finding out why something isn’t running right and getting it perfect again. My advice to anyone thinking about it? Have pride in what you do, and if you make a mistake, own it and learn from it.”