Riviera has a proud history of fostering talent in a diverse range of marine trades in Australia and has been recognised and awarded at both state and national levels.
The achievements of Riviera’s past apprentices are also testament to the Australian company’s deep-held philosophy towards the future growth of the boating industry.
This year Riviera’s 550-strong team of designers, engineers and master craftsmen is very proud to welcome 29 new fulltime apprentices to the company’s world-class manufacturing facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
“Our apprentices are impressive young men and women whose ambition and attitude continue to be developed in a positive, accountable and can-do environment,” said Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst.
“We look forward to helping them in the boat-building, electrical, engineering, upholstery, lamination and cabinet-making trades and careers.”
Mr Longhurst, who completed his own apprenticeship in the building trade, worked with Riviera CEO and fellow graduate apprentice Wes Moxey to reinstate the Riviera program upon Rodney’s purchase of the company in 2012.
“Riviera’s quality training programs dig deeper than just the essential trade skills – we also provide our apprentices with time-honoured practices to also be successful in their professional and personal lives,” said Mr Longhurst.
The Class of 2017 – 12 school-based apprentices and 17 fulltime apprentices – recently attended their factory inductions and orientation, learning more about their obligations across the important areas of fire safety, basic emergency procedures and tool operation, hazard identification and the strongly held Riviera Values.
Riviera, now with 74 apprentices at various stages of learning their chosen crafts, is an industry leader in developing marine professionals with high integrity and world-class skills.
Riviera is also home to the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE Marine Training Centre, where over 200 enrolled students are currently learning their respective crafts.