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Third generation boating industry family member and apprentice marine mechanic Michaela Douglas of Douglas Marine, Pittwater recently won the Boating Industry Association’s Apprentice of the Year 2024 Award.
“I’m delighted to see Michaela, who is third generation of this wonderful family business recognised in this way by industry,” BIA president Adam Smith said during the presentation at the official opening of the Sydney International Boat Show.
“Michaela at only 22, has already started her second trade qualification in automotive electrical technologies, having just finished her marine mechanical apprenticeship; a testament to her commitment to be the very best she can, demonstrating her enthusiasm for continual learning and development,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see our members taking such pride in their apprentices and providing them with the very best support to develop their skills and experience, none more so than our overall winner,” he said.
The BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 drew a strong field of nominees, from a range of member businesses, including boatbuilders, boatyards, marine dealers and global original equipment manufacturers.
A shortlist of 10 finalists were interviewed by the judging panel with three very worthy state winners, along with three deserving highly commended nominees.
“The calibre and enthusiasm of our industry apprentices was wonderful to witness during the course of a very tightly contested judging process,” Mr Smith said.
“Congratulations to all who entered, and we wish them the very best for their ongoing careers in the boating industry,” he said.
The judges determined three State winners for 2024, being:
- NSW Apprentice of the Year – Michaela Douglas, a marine mechanical apprentice at Douglas Marine
- Queensland Apprentice of the Year – Simon Magnay, a fixed and mobile plant apprentice at Riviera
- Victoria Apprentice of the Year – Dimitri Giannikopoulos, a marine mechanical apprentice at Mercury Marine.
Michaela was presented with a trophy and certificate, along with a $1000 Repco voucher to put towards tools.
The prize will also see Michaela take a trip to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Tasmania next February, with BIA covering flights and accommodation.
State winners were presented with a certificate and a $500 Repco voucher.
In a very close judging, three finalists were selected for highly commended nominations, being:
- Daniel Rogers, Northern Beaches Marine, NSW
- Justin Savy, On Point Shipwright Group, NSW
- Manning Elms, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD.
Along with other Award finalists also worthy of recognition, including:
- Zac Mackenzie, Onboard Marine Services, NSW
- Max Robinson, R Marine Sydney, NSW
- Ethan Hawke, Sydney Watercraft Centre, NSW
- Alex Gardener, Cruise Craft Boats, QLD.
For more information on the awards visit bia.org.au/programs-products-services/programs/awards
For more information on BIA visit bia.org.au
