The Boating Careers KGM Apprentice of the Year Awards are back — and bigger than ever — with nominations now officially open for 2025.
Proudly sponsored by KGM and supported by BIAV, the awards celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of apprentices and employers shaping the future of Victoria’s marine industry. Finalists and winners will be recognised live at the Melbourne Boat Show on Saturday 18 October 2025 at 2:00pm, with the legendary Merv Hughes presenting the awards at the KGM stand.
Recognising Marine Excellence
Now in its second year, the awards program has expanded to recognise apprentices from a wider range of marine trades. This year’s categories include: Awarded to a standout apprentice showing exceptional skill, growth, and commitment to marine mechanical service and repair.
- Marine Mechanical Apprentice of the Year
- Marine Construction Apprentice of the Year
- Apprentice Employer of the Year
Marine Mechanical Apprentice of the Year
This category is open to any apprentice working in a mechanical role within the marine industry. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Marine mechanical technology
- Diesel mechanics
- Small engine mechanics
- Auto electricians or marine electricians
- Apprentices servicing outboards, inboards, propulsion systems, or marine electrics
If the apprentice is completing a mechanical apprenticeship and their day-to-day work is clearly marine-focused, they are eligible.
Marine Construction Apprentice of the Year
This category includes apprentices working in boat building, marine fit-out, fabrication, or related construction work. Eligible apprentices may be studying:
- Boat building or marine craft construction
- Fabrication or welding
- Auto/marine trimming
- Composites or resin work
- Carpentry — if applied to boats or marine structures
As long as the apprentice is actively working on vessels or marine infrastructure, they’re eligible.
The key requirement for both categories is that the apprentice is currently working in the Victorian marine industry, regardless of the exact name of their apprenticeship qualification.
Apprentice Employer of the Year
This award recognises a Victorian BIAV member that goes above and beyond in training, supporting, and developing apprentices in the marine trades.
To be eligible, the business must currently employ one or more apprentices working in marine mechanical, boat building, fabrication, marine trimming, or another marine-related trade.
Employers can:
- Nominate themselves
- Be nominated by an apprentice
- Or be nominated by someone in the industry who knows they’re doing an outstanding job
Nominees will be asked to provide information about their training culture, mentorship practices, and the impact they’re making on the next generation of marine professionals.
The winning business will take home a trophy and serious bragging rights as Victoria’s leading apprentice employer in the marine industry.
2024 KGM AOY Winner – James Heritage, Anchorage Houseboats
Key Dates
- Nominations Open August 5, 2025
- Nominations Close September 20, 2025
- Finalists Announced and presented October 18 – 2:00pm @ Melbourne Boat Show
What Winners Receive
Thanks to the generous support of KGM, a total prize pool of $5,000 is on offer, including trophies, winner recognition, and professional exposure through Boating Careers, KGM, and BIAV social media channels.
How to Nominate
Nominations are open now and close on Friday 20 September 2025.
Employers, trainers, and team members can nominate a deserving apprentice or employer via the online nomination forms:
- Nominate an Apprentice
- Nominate an Employer
Shortlisted finalists will be profiled and interviewed, with winners announced live at the Boat Show.
Save the Date
- Event: Awards Presentation – Melbourne Boat Show
- Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
- Time: 2:00pm
- Location: KGM Stand
Be Part of the Story
Boating Careers is proud to support the next generation of marine professionals. If you know someone making waves in the industry, this is their moment.
For all enquiries, email
