Lachlan Fraser from Willoughby has been recognised by peers as one of the best apprentice marine mechanics in the nation, now he’s putting his passion and skill to work building an exciting career in the high-demand marine industry.
As National Skills Week 2026 begins, TAFE NSW is celebrating the transformative power of skills and vocational education by shining a spotlight on graduates like Lachlan who are building new careers, overcoming adversity and making a difference in their communities.
At a time when four in five (82%)¹ Australian businesses reported experiencing skills shortages last year, practical, industry-focused training is helping people access new career opportunities while building the workforce needed to support NSW’s future economic growth.
For Lachlan Fraser, studying at TAFE NSW was life changing.
Lachlan, from Willoughby, has been recognised by peers as one of the best apprentice marine mechanics in the nation, now he’s putting his passion and skill to work building an exciting career in the high-demand marine industry.
His passion for boats started with sailing and rowing while in school, but he was more interested in the motors on the back of boats. After holiday work at The Spit Marina in Mosman, Lachlan Fraser enrolled in a school-based traineeship to learn to service boat motors.
This involved one day of TAFE NSW training in Marine Mechanical Technology, one day in the workplace and three at days school each week. “It was a good way to get some industry experience and qualifications while still finishing high school,” Lachlan said.
After school, that experience helped him land an apprenticeship as a marine motor technician with Onboard Marine Services in Mossman.
“It’s always all systems go in this job, we service engines but also work on all parts of the vessels. This is an industry with plenty of variety and strong demand for people with the skills to do the work,” he said.
Lachlan’s not on the tools as much now, having moved into other parts of the business but his passion for marine engines and skill working on them hasn’t gone unnoticed. Lachlan was recently recognised at the Sydney Boat Show as the winner of the TAFE NSW state Marine Mechanical Technology Student of the Year and The BIA National Apprentice of the year.
“If I hadn’t done the TAFE course, I wouldn’t have the understanding about engines I now have, which means I can explain what needs to be done and why, when customers are looking for advice.
“My course was at TAFE NSW Ultimo where I had access to so many varieties of marine engines from small outboards to the huge diesel engines in ferries and tugboats. I learned so many different things from my teachers, it’s that real-world experience they pass on to students that really helps,” Lachlan said.
The motor mechanic sector has been identified as a priority workforce area for NSW, with strong demand for skilled workers expected in the years ahead. According to the Boating Industry Association, the boating industry turnover for 2025-26 was $10.5 billion. It also considers boating as a leading pastime with one in ten Australians holding a boat licence.
Vocational education continues to deliver strong outcomes, with Jobs and Skills Australia data showing 88 per cent of VET graduates are employed after completing their qualification and median income increases by $14,100 in the year following completion² .
Minister for TAFE, Skills and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said Lachlan’s story demonstrates the powerful role skills training can play in changing lives and building communities.
“Skills change lives. That’s why National Skills Week is such an important opportunity to celebrate the people building new futures through vocational education and training.”
“TAFE NSW delivers the skills that work, helps people get into jobs, transition to new careers and build the confidence to take on new opportunities.”
“The days of having one job for life are becoming less common. More people are retraining, adapting and building new skills throughout their careers, and TAFE NSW is helping them do exactly that.”
“The impact goes well beyond what’s on paper. Stories like Lachlan’s show how skills training and VET can transform lives and communities.”
“If I hadn’t done the TAFE course, I wouldn’t have the understanding about engines I now have,” said Lachlan Fraser.
For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au
*¹ Hays Salary Guide FY26/27
*² VET National Data Asset (VNDA)
