The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has launched the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Awards Call for Nominations, aimed at recognising the exceptional contributions of apprentices to the marine industry and highlighting the importance of training and career development within the sector.
Last year’s Apprentice/s of the Year Award recipients with BIA CEO (from left): Andrew Fielding (BIA CEO), Will Newman (SA Apprentice of the Year), Patrick Bognar (QLD Apprentice of the Year), and Tom Ironside (Apprentice of the Year Overall Winner).
The Apprentice of the Year Award is open to all marine industry businesses; nominations are encouraged from BIA members and non-members, to recognise any current apprentice or those who have completed training within the past 12 months in the boating and marine industry, and are currently employed in the marine sector.
The awards will feature recognitions across Australia, culminating in an overall winner to be announced at the Sydney Boat Show on 30 July.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding emphasised the significance of these awards, stating, “The 2026 Awards serve as an important platform to honour the passion and hard work of our standout apprentices. This recognition is about more than just success; it’s about ensuring our industry has the skilled foundation it needs to flourish for years to come.
“From specialised trades to technical innovation, the marine world offers boundless opportunities. Our apprentices aren’t just learners—they are the essential energy driving the evolution of the entire industry.”
Winners will be honoured with a trophy and certificate, along with a $500 Repco voucher to put towards tools for each State winner, whilst the overall winner will receive a $1000 Repco voucher as well as BIA sponsorship of a trip for two to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Tasmania, February 2027.
Nominations are now open and will be evaluated based on their achievements and contributions to their employer, attitude and willingness to learn and contribute to the industry.
Nominations can be submitted via the online form HERE and must be returned by 12 June 2026.
For information on the Award go to: bia.org.au/programs-products-services/programs/awards/
For information on BIA go to: www.bia.org.au
