Celebrating the 2025 KGM Apprentice of the Year Winners at the Melbourne Boat Show
The 2025 Melbourne Boat Show was a huge success for Victoria’s marine industry — and for Boating Careers, the highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards.
These annual awards celebrate the outstanding young talent shaping the future of boat building, marine mechanics, and the broader marine trades across Victoria.
Congratulations to Our Winners
- Marine Mechanical Apprentice of the Year: William (Will) Seddon – Leisure Sports Marine (Kangan Tafe)
- Marine Craft Construction Apprentice of the Year: Kobe Gogoll – Inferno Marine (Australian Institute of Engineering)
- Apprentice Employer of the Year: Tim Ewert – Inferno Marine
Each of this year’s winners has shown remarkable skill, dedication, and passion for their trade — inspiring the next generation of apprentices to follow in their footsteps.
Finalist
We were proud to recognise all of our finalists for their commitment and excellence across the marine sector:
- Harrison Connley – Gippsland Ports (Australian Institute of Engineering)
- Ollie Shaw – Stratford Marine (Kangan TAFE)
- Andrew Jones – Edencraft International (Kangan Tafe)
- Jayden Arnett – Inferno Marine (Australian Institute of Engineering)
- Ryder Tucker – Geelong Marine World (Kangan TAFE)
A special thank you to Merv Hughes for joining us to present the awards and celebrate the achievements of Victoria’s marine apprentices and employers.
Boating Careers & Education Hub a Major Attraction
Across the four days of the show, the Boating Careers & Education Hub was buzzing with activity — welcoming hundreds of students, parents, and job seekers eager to learn more about pathways in the marine and maritime industries.
Visitors explored opportunities in boat building, marine mechanics, trimming, composites, and maritime operations, with expert guidance from our training partners and industry representatives.
A big thank you to:
Gary and Ricky from TAFE Gippsland – for their incredible work engaging visitors and showcasing maritime courses including Coxswain and Marine Operations qualifications.
Kangan TAFE and Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE) – for their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality training in Marine Mechanics and Marine Craft Construction across Victoria.
Women in Industry Networking Breakfast
Friday morning saw a packed house for the BIAV’s Women in Industry Networking Breakfast — a standout Melbourne Boat Show event celebrating the leadership, resilience, and diversity within Victoria’s marine and boating community.
The morning featured a keynote address from Michelle Reid, Director of Dunbier Mackey Boat Trailers, who shared her journey into the industry along with valuable insights into leadership and business growth. MC Wambui Migwe, Director at the Victorian Fisheries Authority, guided the event with warmth and professionalism, leading an inspiring panel discussion featuring:
Michelle Brittain – WIRFAB, AFN TV Host, and Ambassador for Haines Hunter & Mullies
Melissa Warren – 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Competitor & ORCV Committee Member
Laura Dew – Inspectorate, Safe Transport Victoria
Amber Perry – Boating Programs Manager, Better Boating Victoria
The discussion explored diverse career pathways, industry experiences, and the importance of inclusivity, inspiring both women and men across all areas of the marine sector.
BIAV extends its thanks to WIRFAB, the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Better Boating Victoria, Boating Careers, and Melbourne City Marina for their partnership in delivering such an empowering and forward-thinking event — and to all participants continuing to champion diversity and inclusion across the industry.
If you came to the show and were inspired by what you saw, why not make it your career?
You already love the water, fishing, and boating, turn your passion into a profession!
Visit boatingcareers.com.au – to learn more about marine apprenticeships and career pathways.