Career Opportunities Abound in Marine Industry
3 Mar 2023
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.
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