Australia’s marine industry is taking a significant step toward addressing critical skills issues, with the Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA) Working Group moving into the delivery phase of its new “Job Ready” training program for school students.
This initiative represents a rare and powerful collaboration across the industry, with all major outboard engine brands working together alongside Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA Ltd), Marine Jobs and Boating Careers to address a shared national challenge: Building the next generation of marine technicians.
After months of planning and industry consultation, the program is now ready for pilot delivery.
A dry run will take place on 10–11 June, allowing the working group to test and refine the course structure.
The first official student intake will follow during the school holidays on:
8–9 July
The course will be delivered at the Mercury Marine Training Centre, giving students access to a professional, real-world workshop environment.
The course is designed for school students considering a future in mechanical trades, this two-day course provides a practical and engaging introduction to the marine industry.
Students will:
- Learn foundational marine engine theory
- Gain hands-on experience working on outboard engines
- Interact with real boats and marine systems
- Develop an understanding of what a marine apprenticeship looks like
- Complete the Marine Card component of the program, providing them with an industry-recognised safety credential
The program has been purpose-built to engage students at a critical stage, when they are making decisions about their future careers.
By providing direct exposure to real workplaces, tools, and technicians, the course aims to:
- Build awareness of marine career pathways
- Increase confidence in hands-on learning environments
- Encourage uptake of the Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology apprenticeship
What makes this initiative truly unique is the level of industry alignment behind it.
Outboard engine manufacturers have come together, supported by BIAV, BIA Ltd, Marine Jobs and Boating Careers to co-design and deliver a program focused purely on industry outcomes.
This unified approach reflects a shared understanding: solving the skills shortage requires collaboration, not competition.
This pilot is seen as the first step in a broader national rollout.
“This is about getting in front of young people early and showing them what a career in our industry really looks like,” said Dan Brown, Manager Education and Industry Skills. “When students can see it, touch it, and experience it, it changes the way they think about their future.”
Following the July pilot, plans are already underway to expand the program into:
- Queensland
- New South Wales
With strong support from across the industry, the OEDA Job Ready program is set to become a key entry point for young people considering a career in marine mechanical trades.