Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
Driving up Waterway Drive in Coomera (QLD), the pulse of Australia’s premier marine manufacturing, refit and repair hub is immediately evident. Lined with world-class boatbuilding facilities, service providers and marine innovators, this thriving precinct embodies the country’s rich maritime heritage. At its heart stands Riviera Australia, synonymous with luxury motor yachts and industry-leading craftsmanship. Riviera’s expansive 16.8-hectare facility is the southern hemisphere’s largest motor yacht manufacturing site. Alongside producing around 150 yachts annually for a global market, Riviera is also dedicated to developing the next generation of marine master craftspeople. The Riviera Academy of Excellence, the company’s in-house training facility was officially opened in early 2024, is an integral part of this ecosystem, developing skilled tradespeople across the diverse disciplines required in boatbuilding.
As of February 2025, Riviera has around 900 people on site at its Gold Coast manufacturing facility, driven by the strongest demand in the company’s 45-year history. To meet this growth, Riviera is expanding its team, particularly in composite manufacturing and marine craft construction, with ongoing opportunities for skilled tradespeople to fortify its production capacity.
The marine craft sector has long relied on a blend of formal and hands-on learning to pass down skills and knowledge. Riviera’s 2024 apprentice sign-on day welcomed 52 new apprentices—27 school-based and 25 full-time—including a record 12 female apprentices, marking the largest training intake in the company’s history. Today, Riviera trains around 150 apprentices across 10 trades, from composite technology and marine craft construction to diesel fitting and cabinetmaking. The company has also expanded its training curriculum to introduce two new traineeships in 2024 – Supply Chain Operations and Business Administration.
Riviera Australia’s Manufacturing Director, Kyle Davison, explains, “Our investment in the new Academy of Excellence is an investment in our people,” says Kyle. “Rodney Longhurst, Owner and Chairman of Riviera, a former apprentice himself, is committed to fostering professional growth. Many of our senior managers and tradespeople, including myself, began as apprentices here—proof of the long-term career opportunities Riviera provides.”
“We chose to partner with Major Training, a national Registered Training Organisation (RTO) specialising in vocational education and training for industry—an initiative recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Queensland Training Awards for Premier’s Industry Collaboration of the Year,” said Kyle.
Senior Training Instructor Darren Kearns and Instructor Justin Leigh-Smith lead the Academy’s training program, bringing decades of experience. Both completed their marine craft construction apprenticeships in 1996, with Justin training at Riviera. Darren has been with the company for over 18 years, while Justin marks 30 years of service.
The Academy has also partnered with Milwaukee, a global leader in professional tools, to provide the latest equipment for training. Kyles explains, “One of the first lessons we teach is respect for the tools we use—understanding the difference between high and low-quality equipment, the importance of tool management and how proper maintenance, organisation and handling ensure precision and safety.”
Riviera has trained more than 400 tradespeople through its award-winning apprenticeship program over 30 years. The company works with 37 schools across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales to engage students in its training initiatives.
Apprentices receive well-rounded support throughout their training, including mentorships, training and development programs for technical, life, and business skills, and apprentice camps to build camaraderie and a positive work ethic among peers.
“Starting as an apprentice means learning not just the trade, but also Riviera’s culture, production systems and values. For those looking to progress into senior roles, we offer further training, mentorship and leadership opportunities—many of our leaders began their careers on the workshop floor,” said Kyle.
Apprenticeships
Riviera offers two apprenticeship pathways: Direct-Entry (Full-Time) Trade Apprenticeships for school leavers and School-Based Apprenticeships (SBA) for high school students who wish to start their training while completing their secondary education.
An SBA combines paid, hands-on work experience with formal vocational training, providing a pathway into a trade career. Riviera offers work experience at its factory to Year 11 students during the September school holidays for those considering an SBA as part of their VCE subjects. The Riviera Training Team monitors student performance and those who demonstrate strong commitment and capability in their chosen field may be offered an apprenticeship.
- Cert III in Polymer Processing (Composites)
- Cert III in Marine Craft Construction
- Cert III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade – Diesel Fitting
- Cert III In Automotive To Cert III In Engineering Fabrication Trade Surface Finishing
- Cert III In Engineering Fabrication Trade Welding
- Cert III in Electrotechnology (Cert II in Electrotechnology – pre requisite)
- Cert III in Timber & Composites Machining
- Cert III in Cabinetmaking – Furniture
- Cert III in Furniture Finishing (French Polishing)
- Cert III in Upholstery
- Traineeship – Cert III in Supply Chain Operations
