The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, the Federal Minister for Social Services and Member for Kingston, recently visited Northbank Marine, to discuss a range of issues with owner Rob Cuming.
The Minister was taken on a walk around Northbank’s recently upgraded boat building facility in southern Adelaide, where several new buildings have been added to ease congestion in the manufacturing process in this very busy operation.
Topics covered included the current critical skills shortage facing the marine industry and problems being encountered dealing with the Department of Homes Affairs Immigration by skilled people on restricted work visas seeking permanency in Australia.
Rob Cuming advised the Minister that the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction had only recently recommenced in SA after a near 10 year hiatus since TAFE SA dropped the course, and despite this vital training now being delivered through the Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE), the need to retain a skilled workforce was imperative, noting that every effort should be made to support productive, long-term employees in remaining in Australia as part of this workforce.
The AIE program is offered via an online delivery model, with trainers visiting apprentices and employers 2-3 time a year. Take up of apprentices in recent months has been very encouraging with Northbank having taken on a new apprentice. Members in SA requiring further details should contact George Bolton at
