As we step into 2026, Boating Careers is gearing up for one of its biggest and most ambitious years yet.
With a full calendar of industry immersion days, career expos, boat shows and school engagement activities, the year ahead is all about reaching more students, working with more schools, and connecting more employers to the future marine workforce.
Our focus is to expose young people to real marine businesses, real jobs and real career pathways across boat building, marine mechanical, electrical, fabrication, fit-out, marinas and the broader boating industry.
2026 Industry Immersion Program
Boating Careers immersion days give students the opportunity to visit marine businesses, meet employers, see workshops and vessels up close, and understand the many trade and technical pathways available within the boating industry.
2026 Immersion Locations and Dates:
Dandenong – 20 May 2026
Gippsland – 25 May 2026
Shepparton – 10 June 2026
Williamstown – 17 June 2026
Mildura – 24 June 2026
Geelong – 29 July 2026
Yaringa (Somerville) – 5 August 2026
Campbellfield – 12 August 2026
Echuca – 13 August 2026
Eildon – 18 August 2026
Mornington – 2 September 2026
Sandringham – 27 October 2026
Queenscliff – 28 October 2026
Portland / Warrnambool – 12 November 2026
Career Expos & Education Events in 2026
Boating Careers will also be active across a range of career expos, VET events and education forums, engaging directly with students, teachers, parents and job seekers.
Key 2026 Career Events:
- East Gippsland Career Cluster Network Meeting – TAFE Gippsland (Lakes), 24 February 2026
- Bairnsdale Careers Expo – 25 March 2026
- South East Careers & Try a Trade Expo – KCC Park, Skye, 12 May 2026
- Trade & Tech Fit Career Expo – MCEC, 2–3 June 2026
- Melbourne Careers Expo – MCEC, 15–18 October 2026
- Geelong Careers Expo – Dates TBC
- Outer East Careers Expo – Dates TBC
- (FMP) Careers Expo – Dates TBC
- VET Discovery Expo – Dates TBC
These events play a vital role in raising awareness of marine trades and technical careers and supporting schools to connect students with industry.
Boat Shows
Boat shows remain a key platform for connecting the boating lifestyle with careers in the marine industry.
2026 Boat Shows:
- Gippsland Lakes Boat Show – Paynesville, 27 February – 1 March 2026
- Melbourne Boat Show – Docklands, 15–18 October 2026
At these events, Boating Careers will work alongside industry, training providers and partners to highlight career pathways.
In 2026, Boating Careers is committed to more reach, more engagement and providing more opportunity.
- Reaching more schools and students across Victoria
- Working with more marine employers and training providers
- Expanding regional and metro engagement
- Strengthening pathways from school to training to employment
Whether you’re a student exploring career options, a school looking to connect learners with industry, or an employer seeking the next generation of skilled workers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunity. Keep an eye on our website and socials for event updates, registrations and announcements throughout the year.