The search is on for Victoria’s most outstanding marine apprentices, with nominations now officially open for the Boating Careers KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026.
Presented by Boating Careers and proudly supported by KGM as the Major Sponsor, these annual awards celebrate the apprentices and employers shaping the future of Australia’s marine industry.
The awards recognise excellence in technical skills, professionalism, commitment to learning and leadership, while also acknowledging the businesses that invest in developing the next generation of marine professionals.
Winners will be announced at the Melbourne Boat Show on Saturday, 17 October 2026, where apprentices, employers, educators and industry leaders will come together to celebrate excellence across the industry.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Marine Industry
Australia’s recreational boating industry relies on skilled tradespeople to build, maintain and repair the boats that keep Australians on the water.
Behind every successful apprentice is an employer willing to invest their time, knowledge and resources into developing future talent.
The Boating Careers KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards have been created to recognise both.
These awards are about more than technical ability—they celebrate dedication, professionalism, leadership and the people helping build a stronger marine workforce for the future.
Award Categories
For 2026, five awards will be presented.
Marine Mechanical Apprentice of the Year
Recognising an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding technical ability, workmanship and professionalism in marine mechanical technology.
Category Sponsor: Kangan Institute
Boat Building Apprentice of the Year
Recognising excellence in boat building, construction, fit-out and craftsmanship.
Category Sponsor: Australian Institute of Engineering
Marine Trimming Apprentice of the Year
Recognising excellence in marine trimming, upholstery and interior fit-out.
Category Sponsor: Holmesglen Institute
KGM Overall Apprentice of the Year
Selected from the three category winners, this award represents the highest individual honour.
The recipient will demonstrate exceptional technical skills, leadership, professionalism and the qualities required to become an ambassador for Australia’s marine industry.
Boating Careers Apprentice Employer of the Year
Selected by the Boating Careers team, this award recognises an employer who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to developing apprentices and supporting careers within the marine industry.
The recipient will be recognised for their investment in mentoring, workplace training, apprentice development and their contribution to building the future marine workforce.
This award is selected by Boating Careers and is not open for nomination.
Proudly Supported by Industry
The Boating Careers KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards are only possible through the support of organisations committed to developing Australia’s future marine workforce.
Major Sponsor
KGM
KGM joins the awards as the 2026 Major Sponsor, supporting the recognition of Australia’s most outstanding marine apprentices and helping inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
Category Sponsors
We also acknowledge our education partners for sponsoring this year’s trade categories:
- Australian Institute of Engineering
- Holmesglen Institute
- Kangan Institute
Their ongoing commitment to marine training continues to strengthen career pathways across the Australian boating industry.
Judging Criteria
Each nomination will be independently assessed by an industry judging panel against a range of criteria, including:
- Technical competence
- Quality of workmanship
- Work ethic and professionalism
- Commitment to learning
- Workplace safety
- Teamwork and communication
- Leadership and initiative
- Overall contribution to their workplace and the marine industry
Finalists may be invited to participate in an interview before winners are selected.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Employers are invited to nominate apprentices currently undertaking an apprenticeship in one of the following marine trades:
- Marine Mechanical
- Boat Building
- Marine Trimming
Nominations must be submitted by the apprentice’s employer.
Award Presentation
The winners will be announced during the Boating Careers KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Melbourne Boat Show on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
The presentation will celebrate outstanding apprentices and recognise the employers, educators and industry partners committed to developing Australia’s future marine workforce.
Submit Your Nomination
Do you employ an apprentice who consistently exceeds expectations?
Now is the opportunity to recognise their hard work, dedication and contribution to the Australian marine industry.
Nominations are now open.
Employers are encouraged to submit their nominations before the closing date.
Ready to nominate?
Click the button below to complete your nomination.