Marina and boatyard industry welcomes apprentices

Does the marina industry have it all for young people seeking a rewarding career with progression opportunities? The industry’s national association, NZMOA, thinks so.

 “Marinas provide a pathway for young people leaving school and entering the workforce,” says Tom Warren of the industry association NZMOA. 

“Most often young people will start as dock masters, working on the waterfront and around boats.  From there they can choose what they enjoy and want to focus on, whether that be maintenance, operations or administration.

Those starting in an industry apprenticeship will receive extensive training – including skills like knot tying to handling vessels, customer service and health and safety.

“It’s a rewarding industry that needs people who are practical, who can plan, and be team players,” says Warren. “The waterfront is a fun place to be. You can be outside and active, or inside in an office. As you build skills and experience you can work in different areas of the operation. You can work in remote places or in large cities.” 

While marina cadets at Westhaven Marina as an example start on a living wage, Tom Warren says the General Manager of a large marina complex in New Zealand can earn upwards of $140,000, meaning those who are ambitious have something to aim for.

“It’s a great way to earn a living,” says Warren who has had a 30-year career in the industry including as General Manager of the biggest marina in the Southern Hemisphere, Westhaven Marina, until leaving to join a construction business in the industry.

 “Marinas are the backdrop for events like the America’s Cup, they are huge hubs of action and activity, and the starting point for holidays and voyages. There is something special about them.” 

Make a start - find out more at www.nzmoa.com/apprenticeships or www.mastacademy.com

Watch our video: marina apprentices in the Westhaven cadet program talk about their time working and learning at the marina