Last week, 60 students from nine schools across metropolitan Sydney took part in a Marine Immersion Day hosted by BIA at the Rozelle Marine Precinct - a powerful example of what can be achieved for the Marine Jobs program when the marine industry and education sector work together with a shared goal
Delivered by BIA the immersion day was built on strong partnerships with marine businesses spanning recreational and commercial vessels, marine trades, marinas, boatyards and superyachts, alongside key education and employment stakeholders from the Department of Education, TAFE NSW, MEGT, and NSW Maritime.
Industry support was strong, with contributions from Lux Trimming, Sydney Superyacht Marina, Sydney Boathouse, R Marine Sydney, O’Neill Shipwrights, NRMA Ferries, MV Oceana, MV Hey Jude, and Oceanic Superyacht Services.
The focus was simple: move beyond awareness and deliver real, measurable outcomes for both students and industry.
By bringing employers, training providers and students together in a practical, hands-on environment, participants gained exposure to the breadth of career opportunities available across the marine sector, while also developing a clear understanding of entry pathways and required skills.
The day commenced with a group session aboard an NRMA ferry, featuring the BIA careers video The Industry is Booming and the Maritime sizzle reel. Students heard from the captains of MV Oceania and MV Hey Jude, followed by presentations from NSW Maritime.
Tracy Souris and Clemens Overdijk provided insights into career pathways within marina operations. Students then rotated through five industry stations, each offering a practical look into a specific trade or discipline. The day concluded with MEGT and TAFE NSW outlining apprenticeship pathways and training options.
Importantly, the impact of these collaborations was immediate and tangible.
On the day:
- One student secured a deckhand position on a Sydney-based superyacht
- 12 others are actively progressing work experience opportunities with local marina operators
These outcomes highlight the value of industry engagement — not only in promoting careers, but in actively shaping workforce pipelines and addressing skills shortages.
The success of these initiatives reflects the strength of BIA’s partnerships across industry and education, and the commitment of stakeholders to work collaboratively towards shared workforce goals.
BIA host for the day, Shane Wilson and the BIA team thank all participating businesses and partners for their ongoing support in delivering these impactful experiences.
To get involved in upcoming Marine Immersion Days and connect with future talent, please contact: info@marinejobs.org.au
