The BIA Ltd recently released the National Recreational Boating Statement (August 2025) which highlights what many of us in the industry already know; Australia’s boating sector is growing, but faces a critical skills shortage. More than 93% of businesses report concern about the availability of skilled labour, and 85% are worried about the shortage of apprentices. With over 35,000 people employed nationally across marine trades and services, this challenge is not one that can be ignored.
How are we responding?
The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) has invested heavily in addressing the skills shortage, and in doing so created Boating Careers. The platform has been working hard across Victoria to build awareness of marine careers through school engagement, industry immersion days, careers expos, job board services, and employer outreach. These initiatives are creating a clearer pathway for young people to enter the industry and for businesses to connect with new talent.
Early results are positive, we have already seen apprenticeship numbers lift in Victoria — a sign that our efforts are making an impact. However, with an estimated 10,000 skilled workers needed nationally across marine mechanical, boatbuilding, repair and related trades, the pace of growth is still not enough to meet demand.
Boating Careers recognises that no single solution will solve the skills crisis. While strengthening domestic engagement remains our priority, we also see the need to explore alternative pathways such as international student recruitment and migration-linked training, which can complement our local workforce pipeline
We’ll continue to harvest our own pastures and grow talent here at home, but if we want to make a real impact, we also need to look beyond. A holistic approach combining local training, re-skilling, and international pathways is what will truly secure the future workforce for our industry.
To deliver this, Boating Careers has partnered with the Australian College of Pioneers (ACP) to pilot a new training model. This collaboration has already produced Australia’s first Certificate IV in Boating Services program, combining accredited education, workplace learning, and employment outcomes.
Certificate IV Boating Services students learning boat building, repair and maintenance skills under expert guidance.
Signs of Progress
Early results are promising. Since ACP launched the Certificate IV in Boating Services in late 2024, 12 students have commenced training — most already placed, or soon to be placed, into local businesses. The model of combining accredited training with structured workplace learning is proving attractive to both students and employers, and if growth continues, it could deliver a significant impact on the Australian marine industry within the next 3–5 years introducing up to 500 new skilled workers to the marine workforce.
Looking Ahead
We don’t underestimate the challenge ahead. The skills gap is wide, and it will take sustained collaboration from employers, industry, and training partners to close it. But we are committed to doing the work, and to testing models that we hope will make a real difference for our members and the wider industry.
With continued support from BIAV, ACP, and industry partners, we believe we are beginning to see the foundations of a long-term solution