Riviera, Australian luxury motor yacht builder, has been awarded the Queensland Training Awards’ Large Employer of the Year for the South East region for 2023.
Accepting the award are (from left) Riviera’s People and Culture Business Partner Kim Milne, Apprentice and Training Manager Keira Badke and Manufacturing Director Kyle Davison
The award ceremony, held at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast, cited:
“Riviera’s unique program for personal and career development in which master craftspeople and senior management share their knowledge, experience, and skills. This creates a team environment that supports diversity and employee retention.”
The annual awards are supported by the Queensland Government’s Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
Accepting the award on behalf of Riviera, Apprentice and Training Manager Keira Badke said: “This award is a reflection of the commitment by our owner, Rodney Longhurst, and his entire team to constant improvement and refinement across every aspect of our business – none more important than our people.”
Riviera has operated their award-winning apprentice training program since 1993. In that first year, eight young Australians took up apprenticeships. Since then, hundreds of highly skilled men and women have completed their apprenticeships and gone on to highly successful careers with Riviera in senior management, with some working internationally.
Today more than 100 young apprentices work at the company’s 16-hectare site in south East Queensland. Working alongside more than 800 highly experienced craftspeople, they will build more than 150 motor yachts this year, ranging in length from 39 to 78 feet.
Riviera Lamination Manager Judd Silk joined the business as an apprentice in 1996. He says: “Your career can evolve in so many ways. I am grateful for the opportunities that continue to come my way every day. Anything is possible for you at Riviera.”
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst praised the entire team for their focus on excellence.
“Our philosophy is that, to build world-class luxury motor yachts, we must help create world-class people,” he said.
Mrs Badke said Riviera would hold an apprentice information evening at the company’s facility in Coomera on Thursday, July 27 from 5.30pm.
“We encourage Year 11 and Year 12 students who are seeking a school-based apprenticeship or full-time apprenticeship starting in 2024 to pre-register their interest to attend and learn about Riviera and our award-winning training program.”
Riviera offers apprenticeships in a wide range of trades, from marine craft construction, composites and engineering to French polishing, spray painting, cabinet-making and upholstery.
Mrs Badke said: “We also have immediate opportunities for people who would like to work in composites and marine craft construction.”
Riviera will now progress to the State awards to be announced in Brisbane on Saturday, September 9.
For more information visit www.rivieraaustralia.com
To keep up to date with all marine industry news visit www.marinebusinessnews.com.au
