Eildon Industry Immersion – Thursday 6 November 2025
In partnership with the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network and Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association (LEHIA), the Eildon Immersion will showcase one of Australia’s most unique boating destinations — home to hundreds of luxury houseboats, speed boats and world-class marina facilities.
Students from Alexandra Secondary College will tour the Anchorage Houseboats manufacturing facility, followed by Edwards Built, specialists in houseboat repairs and custom construction. The group will then visit Eildon Outboard Service for an interactive session on marine engines before heading to Eildon Boat Club for lunch and presentations from Inferno Marine, local plumbing and trade businesses, and the Boat Club team, who will discuss marina operations and the thriving tourism economy that supports the lake.
From carpentry and plumbing to marine fabrication and electrical systems, the Eildon Immersion highlights how houseboats combine nearly every trade found in residential construction — but with a marine twist. Pathways explored on the day include:
- Marine Craft Construction (Boat Building / Shipwright)
- Boating Services and Marine Mechanical Technology
- Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical and Cabinet Making
- Engineering Fabrication, Composites, and Upholstery
- Hospitality and Marina Operations
This event brings together industry leaders, local employers and training partners to demonstrate how students can turn their trade aspirations into exciting careers on the water.
Bairnsdale Industry Immersion – Thursday 13 November 2025
A week later, Boating Careers heads east for the Bairnsdale Immersion, hosted in partnership with Gippsland East Local Learning and Employment Network, Gippsland Ports, Veitch and TAFE Gippsland.
The day begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of Veitch Boats, one of the region’s leading custom boat builders, where students will see the design, construction and finishing processes that go into high-end vessels. The group then travels to Gippsland Ports Paynesville, where students will enjoy lunch and presentations from TAFE Gippsland, followed by a guided tour of the port’s impressive marine maintenance and ferry operations — including the Raymond Island Ferry, currently out of the water for refurbishment.
This experience will expose students to real-world marine trades and maritime operations, reinforcing how local careers in boating can span across:
- Boat Building and Marine Craft Construction
- Marine Mechanics and Electrical Systems
- Composite Manufacturing and Fabrication
- Maritime Operations and Port Services
- Engineering, Fitting and Machining
With both events, Boating Careers continues its mission to connect students with industry — creating pathways from school to apprenticeships, vocational training and long-term employment across Victoria’s growing marine sector.
Creating Pathways to Education and Jobs
These regional immersions form part of Boating Careers’ statewide program to promote marine trades and vocational opportunities through school engagement, employer partnerships and hands-on learning.
By highlighting the full range of qualifications — from Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction and Marine Mechanical Technology to Plumbing, Carpentry, and Electrical — students gain a real understanding of how their skills can be applied in Australia’s thriving boating industry.
For more information on Boating Careers Industry Immersion Days or to get involved, email info@boatingcareers.com.au