BIA opens nominations for the 2022 Apprentice of the Year Awards

BIA Vice President Adam Smith makes the presentation to Doug Allan, winner of the 2021 BIA Apprentice of the Year Award © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) today opened nominations for the 2022 BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The Apprentice of the Year Awards are designed to recognise both the outstanding contribution that apprentices provide to the marine industry and the importance of developing a strong future for training and careers.

Nominees are assessed on their achievements throughout the course of their apprenticeship, personal development and contribution to the business, with short listed nominees appearing before an industry selection panel via videoconference.

The Awards are open to any final (fourth) year apprentice working with a BIA member company, and will be awarded to apprentices across member States and Territories, in addition to an overall national winner.

Winners will be announced at the official opening of the Sydney International Boat Show on 29 July, which will celebrate all facets of boating in Australia and a key opportunity to recognise and reward the industry's outstanding new talents. All winners will receive a trophy, certificate and a $500 voucher for trade tools of their choice.

Any BIA member may nominate an eligible apprentice: the nomination form is available here and must be returned by 24 June 2022. Winners will be contacted ahead of the presentation in Sydney, where they will be invited to attend the Sydney International Boat Show opening.

BIA President Andrew Fielding said: "A well trained and skilled workforce is the lifeblood of the boating sector and the BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards are a way of recognising extraordinary talent. BIA has a strong commitment to support and promote education, skills and jobs in marine."

The marine industry reported in 2021 a turnover of $8.835 billion and directly employed more than 27,000 people with thousands more working as contractors. With seventy-five per cent being small businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities, the need for a trained and skilled workforce is key and apprentices are an important part of our future.

For more information on BIA visit www.bia.org.au.