BIA announced the 2021 winners of the BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards

BIA Chairman NSW State Council Adam Smith makes the presentation to Doug Allan of a trophy, certificate and a $500 voucher for tools © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association today announced in Sydney the 2021 winners of the BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards.

BIA President Darren Vaux said: "The boating industry is rich with opportunities in skills and trades, and the new BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards are a way of recognising the extraordinary talent in the industry.

"We have seen a nine per cent growth in employment across the industry over the past year which reflects the demand and passion Australians have for boating in all its forms across paddle, power and sail.

"Recognising excellence in our apprentices is part of our strategy to support career pathways in a sector that offers a unique opportunity to work on and beside some of the best waterways in the world."

The awards went to:

• BIA Apprentice of the Year 2021: Doug Allan (R Marine Sydney)
• NSW Apprentice of the Year 2021: Doug Allan
• QLD Apprentice of the Year 2021: Zoe De Pryck (Maritimo)
• SA Apprentice of the Year 2021: Trae Webb (Christies Beach Marine)

Doug Allan is a 4th year mature age apprentice Shipwright with R Marine in Sydney. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to his trade, is a real team player, possesses excellent communication skills, has a cheerful disposition and nothing is ever too hard. He demonstrates environmental awareness, by keeping debris, waste and water usage to a minimum and is meticulous in keeping his workspace tidy. He is a problem solver with an ability to think outside the square with creative shipwright solutions. Doug is a devoted family man with two boys under five and is a keen boater on the Tuggerah Lake.

Zoe De Pryck is a 4th year mature age apprentice Cabinet Maker with Maritimo on the Gold Coast, having emigrated from Belgium eight years ago. She achieved outstanding results at TAFE being 1st in Year 1, 2nd in Year 2 and 1st in Year 3 for her respective trade. Zoe is very keen to see more women enter the marine industry and raise their profile, and is aiming for leadership roles in the future. She is a keen sailor.

Trae Webb is a 4th year apprentice Marine Mechanic with Christies Beach Marine in Adelaide. He has achieved beyond the level expected in both his job performance and trade education. Trae works with minimum supervision, shows outstanding initiative and is always eager to learn new skills. He is never backwards in tackling difficult jobs and enjoys a challenge. Trae always displays enthusiasm, willingly assists others and works well with staff at all levels. He is a keen fisherman with his own tinnie.

A national snapshot for the year ending 30 June 2021 is as follows:

• The marine industry had a turnover of $8.835bn (up 11% on last year)
• Direct employment was 27,630 with many thousands more in associated businesses (up 9%)
• There are more than 2100 active boating industry businesses (up 5%)
• There were more than 920,000 registered boats, countless non-powered watercraft
• More than 2.5 million Australians held a boat licence
• There were approximately 18,500 new boats registered during the year

For information on BIA go to www.bia.org.au