The next generation of marine industry talent was celebrated at the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Awards, held during the Melbourne Boat Show.
Supported by major sponsor KGM, the awards brought together apprentices, employers, training providers and industry supporters to recognise outstanding achievements across marine trimming, marine mechanical and boat building disciplines.
The awards highlighted not only the skills and dedication of emerging industry professionals but also the important role employers and training organisations play in developing the marine industry’s future workforce.
Andrea Rothwell Named Overall Apprentice of the Year
Andrea Rothwell from The Wooden Boatshop received the evening’s highest honour, being named the 2026 KGM Overall Apprentice of the Year.
Rothwell also secured the Marine Trimming Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Holmesglen Institute, completing an impressive double achievement and recognising her commitment to excellence in her chosen trade.
Category Winners Recognised
Ollie Shaw from Stratford Marine was named Marine Mechanical Apprentice of the Year, an award sponsored by Kangan Institute.
Oscar Forbes from JPM Composites received the Boat Building Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by the Australian Institute of Engineering.
Both awards recognised the achievements of apprentices demonstrating dedication, technical capability and a commitment to developing their careers within the recreational marine industry.
Boat Building Finalists Acknowledged
Four additional apprentices were recognised as finalists in the Boat Building Apprentice of the Year category.
They were:
- Jordan Tedesco – East Coast Boats
- Jye Oakley – Anchorage Houseboats
- Brody Ricco-Gourlay – Anchorage Houseboats
- Kaiden Lovett – Anchorage Houseboats
Their selection as finalists acknowledged their progress and achievements as they continue developing the specialist skills required within the marine industry.
Anchorage Houseboats Recognised for Apprentice Development
Anchorage Houseboats received the Apprentice Employer of the Year Award, recognising the company’s commitment to supporting apprentices and investing in the development of the industry’s future workforce.
With three of its apprentices also recognised as finalists in the boat building category, the award represented a particularly significant achievement for the Anchorage Houseboats team.
The recognition reinforced the importance of employers providing practical training, mentorship and career development opportunities to ensure the industry continues to attract and retain skilled tradespeople.
Industry Support Helps Build Future Careers
The awards were presented by Boating Careers and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), with the support of major sponsor KGM and category sponsors Holmesglen Institute, Kangan Institute and the Australian Institute of Engineering.
The organisers also acknowledged the contributions of participating employers, mentors and training providers, whose ongoing commitment plays an essential role in developing the next generation of marine industry professionals.
Paul Burt was recognised for his contribution to the presentations, bringing warmth and energy to the awards ceremony.
The 2026 Apprentice of the Year Awards provided an opportunity to celebrate individual excellence while highlighting the importance of apprenticeships in supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of Australia’s marine industry.
For more information, visit boatingcareers.com.au
