12 March 2004: Marine Industry Training and Careers Stakeholders' Forum

The Boating Industry Association of SA (BIASA) has been working in conjunction with the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) and the Australian Industry Group (AIG) towards a national marine industry training program that can be adopted and promoted on a national level.

The Marine Industry Training Program has been officially sanctioned by the Australian Industry Training Board and although we accept that there may be improvements to be made to this, it is a sound starting point in terms of a coordinated national approach to industry qualifications and up-skilling.

In addition, the AIG in conjunction with a consultative group consisting of representatives from each State’s BIAs, has developed a promotional program aimed at encouraging young people into careers within the marine industry. This program, named ZooM3 Careers in Marine has been developed with Federal funding in recognition of the value of the marine industry to the nation.  ZooM1 was for the construction industry, and ZooM2, Aerospace.

The ZooM3 Careers in Marine program will be officially launched at the Adelaide Boat Show in July 2004.

The Marine Industry Training and Careers Stakeholders Forum has a two-fold purpose:

1)    To discuss issues of training with various stakeholders from training and educational institutions, members of the industry either currently employing or seeking to employ apprentices or trainees, and other relevant groups towards a cohesive approach to industry training in SA.

2)    To discuss the development of a marine industry training project and infrastructure that will ensure that the skills needs of the Industry are met and developed on an on-going and state-wide basis.