Apprenticeship Success: Barry Upokomanu's Journey at Gulf Harbour Marina
Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do when they leave school, and Barry Upokomanu was no exception. His career began in a warehouse, where he spent five years driving forklifts and picking products from shelves. However, his love for the outdoors never waned, and eventually, the routine of warehousing left him yearning for something more aligned with his passions.
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Barry took a bold step by starting a building apprenticeship, but like many, his plans were disrupted by the Covid pandemic. Just as he was considering his next move, an opportunity arose at Gulf Harbour Marina—a chance to join the marina and boatyard team. The role was a perfect match for his love of fishing and diving, offering a variety of tasks, a supportive team, and the satisfaction of working with appreciative customers.
Barry quickly realised that he had found his calling. Determined to gain further qualifications, he sought out an apprenticeship in Boatyard Operations through MAST. Gulf Harbour Marina fully supported his decision, providing the time, encouragement, and resources needed to succeed. Barry benefited from supplementary courses, mentoring from experienced staff, and the guidance of a qualified company trainer—someone who understood the program content and the commitment required to complete the apprenticeship.
The support didn’t end there. Barry regularly met with his MAST Training Advisor, Mike Birdsall, who offered encouragement, clarified assessment content, and helped him find opportunities to complete the required unit standards. This structured support was invaluable as Barry tackled the theory assessments, often in small but consistent steps.
Now a proud graduate of the apprenticeship program, Barry reflects on his journey with pride. “Take on board all the health and safety instructions, ask plenty of questions, and tackle your theory assessments with small but consistent steps,” he advises any future apprentices he might mentor.
Mentorship is a role Barry aspires to in the future at Gulf Harbour Marina. He’s proud of what he’s accomplished and feels confident in his skills, knowing that the content of the apprenticeship is relevant to every task he performs. Most importantly, Barry cherishes the increased mana, or respect, that comes with completing the program—a true testament to his dedication and hard work.
Keen to know more?
If you are interested in an apprenticeship in marina operations – boatyard please contact your local MAST Training Advisor or your local marina.
If you are a marina interested in becoming involved please contact MAST. Use this link to find out more information for employers.