Career Opportunities Abound in Marine Industry

Careers 

In Europe the Riviera covers an expanse of coastline stretching from France to Italy, frequented by the wealthy luxuriating in what is for most of us, an unattainable lifestyle.

On the Gold Coast the word Riviera is synonymous with an aspirational lifestyle in the shape of luxury motor yachts and with a starting price comparable to the value of an average suburban home that luxury might be more achievable than many realise.

That luxury was certainly within reach during the era of COVID lockdowns when the demand for Riviera’s yachts sailed forth like never before. And now with Riviera expanding its manufacturing headquarters as those orders continue to grow, so too do the career opportunities at the company. 

The Careers Alliance Network provides a platform for a better understanding of industry.     

 Setting sail   

Riviera first began building boats on the Gold Coast in 1981 and since that time have launched almost 6,000 watercraft. This year more than 900 crafts people will build 150 luxury motor yachts at their manufacturing plant, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

It’s said that nothing breeds success like success, so it’s not surprising to discover that the company has an extraordinarily supportive team culture that places a huge emphasis on specialised training and professional development. Riviera’s Safety, Training and Recruitment Manager Adam Houlahan says “It’s less about building boats and more about developing people. We’re always looking at identifying pathways for the right talent.”

Careers Alliance Members tour the Riviera site

Training talent

Currently Riviera has 113 apprentices on site, many of whom are studying at TAFE Gold Coast’s Coomera Marine Campus next door. Darren Kearns is a former Riviera employee who now trains the up and coming trade talent as a Marine Craft Construction Teacher at the TAFE campus.

“It’s vastly different from when I started out,” Darren says. “Careers in the marine industry are now highly specialised to the point where Riviera employs apprentices from 11 different trades. There are extraordinary opportunities here and a large percentage of Riviera’s staff have been working with the company for many years.”

Riviera employs a variety skilled crafts people to build their yachts

Career opportunities

Adam and Darren formed part of a panel discussion to inform Study Gold Coast’s Careers Alliance Network about the opportunities in the local marine craft construction industry. Earlier the Careers Alliance Members had toured the impressive Riviera facility, a massive lot populated by a series of enormous boat building hangers where Riviera staff ride electric golf carts from site to site to oversee the various stages of production. In many ways it feels more like a Hollywood movie studio than a manufacturing plant, but then everything about these luxury motor yachts exudes glamour.

41 Careers Alliance Network Members toured the facility, gaining an implicit understanding of the exceptional breadth of careers in the local marine industry to better inform those students who may have the inclination and aptitude to pursue a career pathway in the sector – one of the Gold Coast’s largest employers.

The panel discussion provided a host of insights about working in the marine industry

A compelling case

Ultimately the most compelling case for pursuing a career in the marine construction industry was provided by panellist Laura Hillman, an apprentice mobile plant mechanic with Riviera, who at just 17, was full of enthusiasm for her chosen career and the company she worked for.

“I’ve always been interested in boats and from the moment I first saw a Riviera yacht cruise past me I knew it was where I wanted to be. It’s such an exciting place to work and I feel very much supported here,” Laura proclaimed.

When asked what she loved most about her job Laura didn’t hesitate with her answer. ‘Nothing beats the thrill of seeing another Riviera customer sailing away on their dream boat with a smile on their face. Just knowing I was a part of making that dream a reality is the best feeling of all.”

*Study Gold Coast’s Careers Alliance Network meets regularly to discuss best practice; career and employment topics; and the latest industry trends. If you are responsible or involved in supporting students with their career education or employment related pathways and would like to join the network visit the homepage here.

Latest News

Love Letters From Pakistan

16/03/2023

In 2021 the Pakistan Government launched the National Amateur Short Film Festival to find their best emerging film makers and offer them a scholarship to study abroad, enhancing their knowledge and skills to bring back new ideas and ignite Pakistan’s film industry.

The NASFF received more than 1100 entries from 72 universities across the country and while the students may have entered not knowing what to expect it was certainly an opportunity to be part of something special, possibly even transformational.

Read More

Career Opportunities Abound in Marine Industry

03/03/2023

Study Gold Coast’s Careers Alliance Network connects professional career influencers with industry to leverage and optimise career pathways for students. The program widens the scope of employment options for students and graduates through the creation of professional networking and partnership development opportunities.

The most recent Careers Alliance event focused on the Gold Coast’s advanced manufacturing sector and was held at the Australian Industry Trade College, an industry established institution that helps young people to pursue their chosen careers through apprenticeships and traineeships.   

Representatives from three Gold Coast based advanced manufacturers were guest speakers at the event, all shedding light on their businesses and the career opportunities in their industries.

Read More

Study Gold Coast CEO to Pursue New Ventures

23/12/2022

Study Gold Coast CEO, Alfred Slogrove has decided to take on new ventures and the Board has today accepted his resignation.

During his tenure as CEO, Mr Slogrove has played an integral role in the promotion of the city’s education sector, attracting students from across the world to study and work on the Gold Coast. 

The Study Gold Coast Management Committee would like to thank Mr Slogrove for his significant contribution to Study Gold Coast and wishes him well in his future endeavours. 

Read More

Pico Play Shapes Exciting Careers For Interns

02/12/2022

If Pico Play’s newest interns learn only one thing during their three-month, paid work placement, it is that work can be fun. But the 14 second-year Malaysian university students who started their internships with the Gold Coast company are learning so much more.

They are gaining a richer understanding of how their skills and knowledge can be put into practice after graduation and with their boosted confidence they’re experiencing what teamwork feels like. Some may even be rethinking where their degree can take them.

Read More

Student Grant Provides Peace of Mind

30/11/2022

Laura Caballero is a qualified graphic designer from Bogota, but never had the opportunity to work as a designer because she wasn’t able to gain the essential work experience to get a job in what is a highly competitive employment market there. She ended up working in a call centre for a communications company instead.

With very few prospects in Colombia Laura began to consider study options overseas and the Gold Coast was recommended as an ideal destination by a number of education agents who talked about the city’s opportunities and great lifestyle.

Laura began researching the Gold Coast on the internet was impressed with what she discovered. Then when she heard about Study Gold Coast’s travel grant for international students Laura applied in the hope that she would be successful.

Read More

Careers News

Career Opportunities Abound in Marine Industry

03/03/2023

Study Gold Coast’s Careers Alliance Network connects professional career influencers with industry to leverage and optimise career pathways for students. The program widens the scope of employment options for students and graduates through the creation of professional networking and partnership development opportunities.

The most recent Careers Alliance event focused on the Gold Coast’s advanced manufacturing sector and was held at the Australian Industry Trade College, an industry established institution that helps young people to pursue their chosen careers through apprenticeships and traineeships.   

Representatives from three Gold Coast based advanced manufacturers were guest speakers at the event, all shedding light on their businesses and the career opportunities in their industries.

Read More

Pico Play Shapes Exciting Careers For Interns

02/12/2022

If Pico Play’s newest interns learn only one thing during their three-month, paid work placement, it is that work can be fun. But the 14 second-year Malaysian university students who started their internships with the Gold Coast company are learning so much more.

They are gaining a richer understanding of how their skills and knowledge can be put into practice after graduation and with their boosted confidence they’re experiencing what teamwork feels like. Some may even be rethinking where their degree can take them.

Read More

Pathways to Success

24/11/2022

The one goal that every student wants to achieve is a career once they’ve attained their qualification, which is why educational institutions are increasingly investing in experienced professionals to support and guide students with the essential knowledge to find the right career education and employment pathways.

And while the job titles of these professionals may vary from guidance officers to department heads and industry liaison officers, all have the same objective - helping students to make informed choices in reaching their goals.

In recognising the vital role these professionals play in the education sector Study Gold Coast created the Careers Alliance Network, providing opportunities to discuss career and employment related topics, share best practice knowledge and facilitate networking connections with likeminded professionals.

Read More

Finding Common Ground

23/09/2022

Vivianne Wang’s life has changed dramatically since she left her native China a few years ago. Originally from Beijing, Vivianne worked as a business project manager for a state-owned corporation before relocating to the Gold Coast.

“I was leading a highly stressful life in China. I feel a greater sense of freedom here. There is a fairness of living, studying and working here that I could never have in China. Here I have more time to do everything – contemplate ideas, live a better life and realise my potential.”

Vivi was initially drawn to Australia because of its favourable climate and friendly people, a place she feels provides a great environment for international students.

“It was my education agent that sold me on the Gold Coast and I’ve never regretted it. As a mature aged international student I know how incredible the Gold Coast is and I cherish every opportunity I’ve had here. I get up every morning and swim in the sea, I also do yoga. It’s the perfect lifestyle for me. Coming here is the best decision I’ve ever made,” Vivianne says.

Read More

The New Frontier

27/06/2022

Just over a decade ago two brothers had a dream. James and Adam Gilmour wanted to establish a company that could build rockets on the Gold Coast. At the time there was very little to speak of in terms of a space industry in Australia and many doubted that the dream would ever become a reality.

In 2022 the dream is not only a reality, but a thriving enterprise that’s about to launch its first satellite via their hybrid powered propulsion technology. The stellar growth of Gilmour Space Technologies mirrors the space industry domestically, which has literally skyrocketed since the establishment of the Australian Space Agency in 2018.

Through the success of Gilmour Space Technologies a new frontier of career opportunities has opened up on the Gold Coast.

Read More