TAFE NSW student and Pittwater local, Michaela Douglas, has received an impressive accolade from the marine industry, being awarded Boating Industry Australia’s Apprentice of the Year.
In August this year, Pittwater Online shared Michaela had won the NSW Apprentice of the Year from BIA. Now news has come through that her efforts also won her the Australia-wide recognition as well.
Michaela at only 22, has already started her second trade qualification in Automotive Electrical Technologies, having just finished her Marine Mechanical Apprenticeship; a testament to her commitment to be the very best she can, demonstrating her enthusiasm for continual learning and development.
The BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards 2024 drew a strong field of nominees, from a range of member businesses, including boatbuilders, boatyards, marine dealers and global OEMs. A shortlist of 10 finalists were interviewed by the judging panel with three very worthy state winners, along with three deserving highly commended nominees.
With data showing more than 85 per cent of Australia’s population is based by the coast, it is no surprise the marine industry continues to grow in scale and demand.
The 2023 Index of Marine Industry showed the marine industry contributed $105.3 billion to GDP and directly contributed 247,000 jobs in 2021.
The continued growth of the industry requires a pipeline of skilled workers, such as TAFE NSW student and Pittwater local, Michaela.
A third-generation marine mechanic, Michaela has completed her Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology and is now completing her Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, while working at her family’s business, Douglas Marine in Pittwater.
Michaela received the Apprentice of the Year award from Boating Industry Australia, winning in both the NSW and Australia wide categories, recognising her skill and dedication to the industry.
“Living in Pittwater, I grew up around boats, but I was never sure I wanted to work with boats myself. Then I realised the ability to take something broken and fix it really appealed to me,” said Michaela.
“Studying at TAFE NSW gave me the technical skills and knowledge I could bring straight to work. The teachers were all so supportive; they put absolutely everything into their students.”
“Winning Boating Industry Australia’s Apprentice of the Year is a huge honour. I am just at the start of my career, but I know this is what I want to do. I love living and working on the Northern Beaches and building my career as a marine mechanic.”
TAFE NSW Marine Head Teacher, Simon Rodgers, is proud to see Michaela recognised by the industry.
“Michaela is a remarkable young individual. It is great to see her skill and dedication recognised as Apprentice of the Year; she deserves it,” said Simon.
“Michaela’s work ethic made a real impression on all her teachers, and she has the passion and drive to go far in the marine industry. At TAFE NSW, we’re dedicated to ensuring all our students receive the practical skills and knowledge to make them an asset in any workplace.”
Michaela’s parents, Felicity and Shane Douglas, her employers at Douglas Marine, recognise the importance of her training in making her job-ready.
“We are thrilled that Michaela has been named NSW and Australian Apprentice of the Year!
This prestigious recognition reflects her exceptional dedication and hard work throughout her apprenticeship and study with TAFE NSW.”
Michaela’s proud parents with TAFE NSW Marine Head Teacher, Simon Rodgers and Michaela with her awards
Pittwater Online sent through a few questions to this busy young woman last week, to find out a little more.
What kind of boating activities did you get involved in as a youngster?
I work at Douglas Marine, our third-generation marine mechanical family business based on Pittwater, so I have always been around boats.
I grew up on the water, spending time on day trips with our boat, swimming, wakeboarding, and donuting. I participated in the sailing program at Newport Public School and sailed Optimists at RPAYC, where our business is based.
You are now helping train two new apprentices at Douglas Marine – was there anything you learnt along the way you’re able to help them with?
During my time at TAFE NSW, I not only learned the technical skills for my job, but it also showed me how to help explain the concepts to others, which has been invaluable in working with our apprentices. I also discovered that if you’re eager and ask questions, people are always willing to help you learn.
Some apprentices struggle to meet their work and study commitments; do you have any pointers there?
I’m still figuring out the balance, but right now, work takes priority over the additional electrical apprenticeship I’m doing. When I was completing my mechanical apprenticeship, it was easier because it aligned directly with my work, and the block classes at TAFE NSW allowed me to focus fully for a week at a time.
The boating industry and its products are ever-evolving and require qualified people to undertake continued professional development. What changes have you noticed since doing your apprenticeship?
While completing my apprenticeship, I saw a shift towards electric systems, similar to the transition happening in the automotive industry with electric cars. That inspired me to go back to TAFE NSW for a marine electrical apprenticeship to better understand the direction the industry is heading.
What are your favourite places in Pittwater and why?
My favourite places in Pittwater are the hidden, tucked-away beaches where my family spent weekends and evenings after work during the summer.
What is your marine-related ‘motto for life’ or a favourite phrase you try to work and play by?
My dad always told me to “work smarter, not harder,” which I try to apply in everything I do. When I first started working for him, I worried about whether I’d be strong enough to handle everything, but he showed me there’s always a smarter way to approach a task.
Michaela at work
BIA awards 2024 Apprentice of the Year: michaela douglas of pittwater
- NSW Apprentice of the Year – Michaela Douglas, a Marine Mechanical apprentice at Douglas Marine (located at RPAYC, Newport)
