BIA Apprentice of the Year Award
Photo (from left): BIA Apprentice of the Year 2026 Lachlan Fraser of Onboard Marine Services, BIA President Tracy Souris and
The following media release has been supplied by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and highlights the winners of the 2026 BIA Apprentice of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding apprentices across Australia’s marine industry.
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) announced Lachlan Fraser of Onboard Marine Services, located at The Spit, Sydney, as the BIA Apprentice of the Year for 2026.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said, “While still completing his apprenticeship, our Apprentice of the Year undertook further training with the business’s principal engine brands, Volvo Penta, Mercury and MAN, trained in fire suppression systems and has recently become a qualified surveyor.
“His employers, Liam Webb, Nick Benjamin and Daniel Scifleet, along with all their team, are extremely pleased to have our winner as part of the team, and are impressed with his continued commitment to learning and helping to strengthen their business.”
National Apprentice of the Year
As BIA Apprentice of the Year, Lachlan will receive a return trip for two to Hobart, sponsored by the BIA, to attend the 2027 Australian Wooden Boat Festival. He also won the NSW Apprentice of the Year award and received a special prize sponsored by BIA Marine Jobs to the value of $1,000.
Fielding said, “Marine Jobs is one of our top four key priorities across all member states and territories. These awards are part of our support for apprentices and each state winner received a certificate, trophy and $500 of tool vouchers from BIA Partner Repco Commercial.”
Queensland Apprentice of the Year
The recipient of the Queensland Apprentice of the Year award was Teresa Gorey, Marine Mechanic at Sugar City Marine, Mackay.
“Teresa’s enthusiasm for the boating industry is genuine and infectious,” Fielding said. “She has a clear passion for marine technology, takes immense pride in her work, and consistently represents Sugar City Marine with professionalism.”
Teresa Gorey also received a special prize sponsored by the Queensland Recreational Boating Council to the value of $1,000.
South Australian Apprentice of the Year
The recipient of the South Australian Apprentice of the Year award was Liam Gambell, Shipwright at Matrix Boats, Adelaide. He also received a special prize of $1,000 from Australian Institute Engineering.
“Liam joined the Matrix team in 2021 and quickly demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and natural aptitude for the marine manufacturing industry,” said Fielding.
“His ability to quickly grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively in the workplace set him apart from his peers and established him as a highly valued member of the team.”
This information was supplied by the Boating Industry Association. AFLOAT Magazine will continue to share marine industry news, career opportunities and training initiatives supporting Australia’s boating sector. Read more marine industry news at AFLOAT Magazine.
