Significant funding investment by Queensland Government to boost marine jobs
by Boating Industry Association 9 Jul 06:18 UTC
Increasing the workforce state-wide © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association Ltd today announced a significant funding agreement with the Queensland Government to deliver a major boost to the Marine Jobs program across the Sunshine State.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said this milestone funding agreement would enable Marine Jobs to accelerate in Queensland which is home to the largest concentration of marine businesses in Australia.
"We will use this State Government support to connect more opportunities with key stakeholders in the marine sector, to attend more events and to encourage more people, especially young people, to commit to considering a career in Queensland's marine industry," Fielding said.
"The marine industry is worth billions of dollars to the State economy and has a huge demand for jobsas shown by the number of marine occupations and trade apprenticeships on the national priority lists."
A recent BIA National Jobs & Skills Annual Survey revealed 93 per cent of marine businesses are concerned about the availability of skilled labour with 85 per cent concerned about the shortage of apprentices, with more than 45 per cent reporting a loss of revenue due to the labour challenge.
Fielding said Marine Jobs was a key strategic BIA priority to support the marine industry through a coordinated program that included marketing and promotions, events, stakeholder engagement and advocacy to governments across the nation.
Over the next 12 weeks, BIA will be attending over 45 careers events in QLD, delivering a Marine Jobs promotion throughout regional hubs including Mackay, Townsville, Proserpine and Cairns plus stakeholder meetings with the Whitsundays Region to grow the program. As well as expanding reach further since joining the Port of Brisbane Marine Industry Careers Group who will be holding a major event encompassing port operations, shipping, water police and Svitzer; and engaging State and Federal Departments with results from the latest BIA National Jobs & Skills Annual Survey.
The BIA is the peak industry body in Australia representing the interests of boating which includes designers, manufacturers, importers, brokers, insurers, retailers, charters, yacht and boat clubs, marinas, events, surveyors and trades from boat builders to riggers, and more. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating. BIA has members in all States and Territories.
The BIA is now in a collaboration with the Australian Fishing Trade Association due to the close relationship of boating and fishing, and in total the two groups represent $21 billion in annual industry turnover and 135,000 people employed. Seventy-five per cent of BIA members are in small family businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities.
Fielding said while the State Government funding would help "turbo charge" Marine Jobs in Queensland, BIA would continue to deliver the program across the nation.
For information on BIA go to: www.bia.org.au