The 2024 Gold Coast Marine Jobs & Careers Expo held at the Marine Precinct, Saturday 7 September, shone the spotlight on the huge number and variety of opportunities in the boating industry.
The Boat Works is a central hub of the marine precinct, home to 100+ marine businesses on-site and with around 2,000 people working on the visiting vessels on any given day.
Based at The Boat Works are several marine training groups, providing instruction and courses for all levels in yachting: from accredited training for commercial Captains and crew to courses for recreational boaties and those who aspire to enter the industry.
Taking advantage of their vessel’s yard time at The Boat Works, crew can upskill or renew certification on their days off.
Paradigm Training Group, a Queensland-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO # 41059), operated by Julianne Zalite and Charly Silver, provides flexible, high-quality training solutions to the maritime industry.
“We provide a wide range of courses designed to meet industry demands,” says Julianne. “These include General Purpose Hand, Coxswain Grades 3, 2 and 1, Master 24 and 45, Marine Engine Driver Grades 3 and 2, as well as essential skills training such as Shipboard Safety and Radio Communication. Our programs ensure that maritime professionals are provided the opportunities to continue advancing their career pathways.”
Paradigm’s courses extend beyond seafaring roles, addressing the needs of those in maritime administration and leadership positions. The Certificate III in Business, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, and Diploma of Leadership and Management provide nationally recognized qualifications applicable across all industries. These programs are ideal for individuals looking to progress within the maritime industry, transitioning across roles, or moving into leadership.
For recreational boaties, Paradigm offers an array of subjects that raise their skills and confidence on the water, such as navigation and chart reading. Some marine insurance agents recommend that those new to boating or owners moving from a small vessel to a larger boat brush up on their skills.
The company’s reputation for comprehensive and practical training is reflected in its growing enrolment numbers. “In 2023, we enrolled more than 400 students, with many traveling from as far away as Western Australia, Cairns, and New South Wales to train with us. This is mainly due to our uniquely flexible delivery model that aims to work around the busy and everchanging schedules of our students and their workplaces. Students can enrol and commence their studies online from anywhere at any time, culminating at a practical face-to-face workshop here at the Boat Works. We’re a one-stop shop for maritime training, and every year our reach continues to expand.”
Paradigm’s recent participation in the Careers & Job Expo further cemented the company’s role in shaping the future of the industry.
Julianne reports that the recent Careers & Job Expo was extremely successful for Paradigm. “We were inundated with enquiries from aspiring professionals and industry veterans alike. It’s clear there’s a strong demand for quality maritime training, and we’re here to meet that need.” states Julianne.
“We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for training. In 2023, we registered 430 enrolments, and that number is growing every year.”
For superyacht crew seeking opportunities in Australia and internationally, Yachtsmen International based at The Boat Works have the experience and expertise to work with candidates to find opportunities in the industry.
Along with an extensive database, the team at Yachtsmen International have actually worked on board charter and privately-owned superyachts and know the industry from first-hand experience.
Seasoned crew and those looking to enter the industry can speak with the Yachtsmen International Placement Manager to learn of the many and varied opportunities here and abroad. Yachtsmen International are fully compliant with MLC 2006 regulations and are a registered seafarer recruitment and placement service.
Visit their Jobs Board for more.When it comes to First Aid and medical emergencies on board, Marine Medical Solutions work with crew and yacht owners to deliver “world-class training for those who work and play in the marine environment”.
“We specialise in on board medical emergency training for superyacht crew, cruisers and yacht racing crew Australia-wide,” says Wendy Sullivan who heads up the business.
“We provide first aid training for marine businesses and the maritime industry businesses and marine pilots, tugboats and shipyards. We also hold monthly Marine First Aid training courses at The Boat Works which focus on hands-on skills and knowledge to prepare participants for medical emergencies offshore.
“Along with our training we also create and supply marine medical kits and restocking of medical supplies for domestic and international vessels.”
The Boat Works, which has experienced and influx of visiting vessels, is a hive of crew activity during their onshore maintenance and refit periods. Crew, workers on-site and boat owners can enjoy the warm Gold Coast hospitality and long list of sights and attractions and take the opportunity of renewing their Marine First Aid. For the cruising and competitive sailing communities, the appropriate training and First Aid Kits are just as vital.
“Updating your knowledge and renewing your certification are crucial,” Wendy asserts.
“These are lifesaving skills imperative to know when you’re on the water. We consult to families, offshore and long-range cruising couples, and for the workplace as well. Basic training covers common occurrences such as fishhooks, booms, sunburn, seasickness and everything in between, and the more advanced options are tailored to delivering First Aid, CPR, oxygen and wound care in a range of complex situations.”
