Riviera is currently training 134 apprentices across 10 separate trades. Each year just four are selected as being the very best to receive the company’s coveted Apprentice of the Year award.
Riviera owner, Rodney Longhurst, with Riviera Apprentice of the Year 2024 recipients Samuel Baddeley, Benjamin Hawkins, Campbell Chapman and Caden Fletcher, along with Riviera’s Apprentice and Training Manager, Keira Badke.
The bar is set high as managers must assess their apprentices across 17 categories ranging from “commitment and professionalism” to “quality of work” and “initiative”.
The four who best performed through 2024 are first-year marine craft construction apprentices Benjamin Hawkins and Campbell Chapman, and third-year electrical apprentices Caden Fletcher and Samuel Baddeley.
Campbell Chapman began his apprenticeship last year working in New Model Development.
“Attention to detail is vital as a Riviera motor yacht is developed,” said Campbell. “I am now working in the Fitout department, installing the hatches on the motor yachts.
“I want to learn as much as I possibly can about every aspect of motor yacht building. One of the exciting projects we are undertaking in our Academy of Excellence training program is to draw up and then build a small boat. We begin with lofting, which is a drafting technique to create curved lines – rather important in boat building.”
“I thoroughly enjoy my work and I am surrounded by great people. Eventually I want to become a leading hand at Riviera.” Says Benjamin Hawkins
Benjamin Hawkins is in the same cohort as Campbell.
“I always liked working with my hands and on wood. Then I became interested in building; first houses then my interest turned towards boats. I came to an Open Day at Riviera and saw what the motor yacht builders were doing and decided I wanted to learn everything about that craft.
“I thoroughly enjoy my work and I am surrounded by great people. Eventually I want to become a leading hand at Riviera.
“I recently had the thrill of being deckhand aboard a Riviera SUV that was being transported from the Gold Coast to the port of Brisbane. That is when I got a real sense of the quality in the motor yachts we build.
“I simply want to be the highest quality person I can be.”
“I love tidy cable work, I am fascinated to see how the cables we lay feed into the systems that make the yacht work.” Says Caden Fletcher
Caden Fletcher has always loved being around boats and from an early age had a fascination in how electrical systems worked.
“I love tidy cable work,” he said. “I am fascinated to see how the cables we lay feed into the systems that make the yacht work. I am particularly interested in the CZone digital switching system and how owners can operate their electrical system from an iPad.”
Caden looks up to his father who has been in marine craft construction with Riviera for the past 27 years.
“Dad did everything for us as kids and as we were growing up,” he said. “I am totally focussed on emulating him.”
“I love doing things with my hands, this trade offers big challenges, and I have great trainers and mentors.” Said Samuel Baddeley
Samuel Baddeley found an electrical trade would be most interesting and challenging.
“I love doing things with my hands,” he said. “This trade offers big challenges, and I have great trainers and mentors. In my early time with Riviera, I was a little shy, but I have learned to feel comfortable in approaching senior people with questions.”
“I particularly enjoy making the AC board in a motor yacht look really neat.”
Riviera’s Apprentice and Training Manager Keira Bradke said Riviera was actively seeking bright young people both through its school-based program and full-time apprenticeships.
“Our award-winners have a great sense of drive and determination towards excellence, a shared value of our entire team at Riviera,” she said. “This attitude is reflected in every motor yacht that is created and commissioned for our proud Riviera owners.”
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst paid tribute to the apprentices who had received awards and recognition over the past year.
“These young members of our team are the next generation of master boat builders for our industry,” said Mr Longhurst. “As someone who began as an apprentice myself, I share their excitement for the future.
“Our motor yachts are sought after around the world for their blue-water heritage, supreme luxury and built-to-last quality. We are keen to hear from people who share our passion for quality and want to build a career with a world-class team.
“Riviera is built on a philosophy that, to build world-class luxury motor yachts, we must train and create world-class craftsmen and women.”
