Lake Eildon Immersion Inspires Students with a Firsthand Look at Victoria’s Houseboat and Marine Industry
Local employers, Central Ranges LLEN and the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association come together to showcase marine careers.
The Boating Careers team, in partnership with the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association (LEHIA) and Central Ranges LLEN, delivered a successful Industry Immersion Day on Thursday, 6 November 2025, giving students from Alexandra Secondary College a hands-on look at the wide range of trade and career opportunities across Victoria’s boating and houseboat sectors.
The day was coordinated by Boating Careers and hosted locally by Mike Dalmau from High Country Houseboats, who led students through a behind-the-scenes experience of the Lake Eildon marine community.
A Tour of Eildon’s Boating Industry
Students began the morning at Anchorage Houseboats, touring one of the region’s leading luxury houseboat manufacturing facilities before moving on to Edwards Built, where they saw the craftsmanship that goes into houseboat construction, repairs, and custom design.
The next stop was Eildon Outboard Service, where students got up close with the mechanical and electrical systems that power Australia’s fleet of houseboats and ski boats.
Afterwards, the group visited the Eildon Boat Club for lunch and a presentation from Inferno Marine, a local business recently recognised at the Melbourne Boat Show as both Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year.
Students also heard from local trade and marina representatives about the diverse career pathways available in the Eildon region — from boat building, trimming, plumbing and electrics, to marina operations and hospitality.
Highlighting Career Pathways
Throughout the day, students were introduced to multiple qualifications and apprenticeships connected to the marine and construction trades, including:
- Marine Craft Construction
- Boating Services
- Marine Mechanical Technology
- Carpentry, Plumbing, and Electrical
- Fabrication, Upholstery, and Cabinet Making
- Maritime Operations
Each of these pathways links directly to the skills used daily across Eildon’s thriving boating, tourism, and houseboat manufacturing industries.
Community Collaboration
Careers Coordinator Yvanya Stekerhofs from Alexandra Secondary College said the experience had a big impact on students:
“Mike imparted a lot of valuable information and his connections across the boating industry made the day come together beautifully. The students loved the experience and came away with real ideas for future careers.”
Yvanya also thanked the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) and Boating Careers for their support, noting,
“Thank you to BIAV for covering the cost for our students — they loved all the food and drinks! It’s great to see Central Ranges LLEN creating these opportunities for our region.”
A Big Thank You
Boating Careers extends its sincere thanks to Mike Dalmau (High Country Houseboats) for leading the day, and to Anchorage Houseboats, Edwards Built, Eildon Outboard Service, Eildon Boat Club, and Inferno Marine for hosting the students.
Special appreciation also goes to Nicky Leitch and Central Ranges LLEN for their coordination and ongoing support in connecting schools with local industry.
About Boating Careers
Boating Careers connects students with industry through immersive learning, showcasing real pathways into marine trades, manufacturing, and maritime operations across Victoria.
For more information or to get involved, visit boatingcareers.com.au