Boat Works, Riviera: Jobs available as Gold Coast marine industry rapidly expands

More workers are being sought to help keep up with demand in a booming Gold Coast business, where facilities are rapidly being expanded. Take a sneak peek behind the scenes.

Marine industry leaders say they need more skilled staff to work in the Gold Coast’s bustling boatyards, with the city’s leading facility at capacity under four years after a major expansion.

The Boat Works in Coomera dramatically boosted its footprint with the opening of a dedicated superyacht yard in 2020, however owner Tony Longhurst said it was already at capacity due to soaring demand.

“We are proud to have built and continue to build the best boatyard and superyacht marina facility in the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Longhurst said.

“Building on the success of the superyacht facility that we opened in January 2020, we are continuing to add even more major marine infrastructure.

“There is a huge demand to accommodate more boats undercover as our 70 sheds have reached capacity.”

The Boat Works owner Tony Longhurst. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The Boat Works at 55 acres is billed as a “one-stop shop” providing service, maintenance and refit, sales and after sales facilities for all kinds of boats from small tinnies to multimillion-dollar superyachts.

The biggest such facility in the Southern Hemisphere, it is now lifting 60 boats out of the water each week – up from approximately 45 per week before Covid – supporting 80 small businesses which operate from the facility.

A Stage Five expansion began construction in March and will be completed by the end of the year. The investment includes more sheds, hardstands, in-water service berths and workshop and office space for marine businesses.

Marketing Manager Charmaine Webb said the industry on the Gold Coast also needed to ensure there was a steady stream of apprentices coming through the doors.

“With the continued and steady demand of more boats being welcomed we must start educating through the school systems et cetera the amazing opportunities that exist within the marine industry,” she said.

“Young people need to know it’s not just mining and construction, there’s also marine, which offers them some fantastic opportunities.”

Luxury boat builder Riviera, whose premises adjoin The Boat Works in Coomera, recently launched a recruitment drive for dozens of new apprentices, tradespeople, and trades assistants to join its 900-strong team.

In the last financial year Riviera exported yachts to the value of $156 million to 15 countries, which was a 9.1 per cent increase on 2021.

Riviera manufacturing director Kyle Davison said: “This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who’s even thought about a career in the marine industry and be a part of the team building these truly exquisite motor yachts.

“When you join Riviera, you’re joining a family – not just a workforce.

“Many of our most senior managers started as apprentices with us, so you really can enjoy a long, proud and rewarding career at Riviera.”

Boat Works marketing manager Charmaine Webb. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In a bid to find new workers, a Marine Careers Open Day took place at the Coomera precinct on October 21, attended by 1387 people, some of whom came from interstate and overseas for the event.

Hunter Tuck, an aspiring boat building apprentice who travelled to the event from Wanaka in New Zealand, said: “The industry is huge on the Gold Coast, with so many passionate people building such high-quality products.

“The tours through the shipyards were such an eye opener. I can’t wait to explore my options when I look to relocate to Queensland next year and hopefully begin an apprenticeship as a boat builder on the Gold Coast.”

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Originally published as Boat Works, Riviera: Jobs available as Gold Coast marine industry rapidly expands