Marine Academy set for Redlands

(From left): Andrew Fielding, BIA Business Development Manager and Michael Callanan, AITC Redlands Principal © Boating Industry Association

The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) and the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) are proud to announce the establishment of a second Marine Academy, this time in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Cleveland.

BIA and AITC kick started the Academy concept in 2022 for high school students on the Gold Coast. The AITC is a deliberately different senior school for students pursuing an industry career in Years 10 to 12.

BIA CEO Andrew Scott said due to the success of the initial Academy and ongoing industry need for a skilled workforce, the second campus would open from July this year.

"BIA is committed to supporting career pathways into the boating industry in Australia," Scott said. "The industry has a huge demand for young people who want to take up a career in and around our magnificent waterways.

"Cleveland is already a boating stronghold with its access to Moreton Bay and this new academy is part of our strategy to open up pathways to marine careers at strategic locations in Queensland." The Academy is for career-minded young people in Year 10 (July 2024 entry) looking to work in the boating and marine industry.

Students spend five weeks a term in school at the AITC school and up to 28 weeks a year in the boating industry.

The program is designed to develop employability skills via work experience and immersion in a wide range of functions within the industry.

This opportunity for exposure provides students with a solid base of key skills and industry knowledge before pursuing a school-based apprenticeship / traineeship in Year 11 or 12.

Since the launch in early 2023, the initial boating industry Academy model now has 24 young people in the program with another 30 to join by the end of this year.

AITC Principal Michael Callanan shares his excitement to add an academy to the Redlands school. "We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new Marine Academy in the Greater Brisbane area."

"Our students will gain hands-on learning experiences and build invaluable skills specific to the marine and boating industries," Michael added.

The Academy is an important part of the BIA's wider efforts to support career pathways into the marine industry.

BIA acknowledges the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council for their support of the Academy model.

The BIA is the peak industry body in Australia representing the interests of recreational boating of which there are millions of participants nationwide. The BIA last year reported industry national turnover of $9.64 billion, directly employed more than 25,000 people with many thousands more in contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.

For more information on BIA visit: bia.org.au.

For more information on the Australian Industry Trade College visit: www.deliberatelydifferent.com.au.