Shipwright apprentice Maddison Webb-Leck has sailed to success at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards 2024, being named Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction Stage 1 Student of the Year in front of hundreds of her industry peers during the opening ceremony of the Sydney International Boat Show.

Though women account for only two per cent of the country’s shipwrights, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, Maddison – a proud 16-year-old Wiradjuri woman – is breaking the barrier and paving the way for more women in the shipwright industry. 

TAFE NSW Ultimo Head Teacher for Mechanical Engineering and Shipwrights, Kirk Franks, said there is currently a huge demand for shipwrights and plenty of jobs around. 

“Shipwrights, Boat Builders and Repairers, are on the 2024 Apprenticeships Priority List; a clear indication they are in high demand and crucial to Australia’s long-term economic and recreational needs,” Kirk said.

“The future of the marine industry involves boosting the number of women in the industry and Maddison is a great example of TAFE NSW partnering with industry to ensure our female shipwrights finish with the best hands-on experience which, in turn, boosts employment prospects.”

Maddison is studying a Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction at TAFE NSW Ultimo while completing a shipwright apprenticeship at Hay Brothers Shipwrights, Mulgrave, where she works on ski, surf, wake, and fishing boats for a broad range of clients including MasterCraft, Malibu, and Nautique. 

Her employer, Daniel Hay, said though Maddison is a 1st year apprentice she’s already doing jobs he’d normally entrust to a 3rd year apprentice, such as spray-painting, woodwork, filling and fairing. 

“To give you an example, she’s making the fibreglass patterns and laminating our in-house racing seats by herself from start to finish,” Daniel said. “I’d happily say she’s one of the most advanced shipwright apprentices in Australia.” 

Maddison credits TAFE NSW with providing her with the right mix of skills to excel in the highly competitive marine industry. 

“From knowing how to interpret technical drawings to using tools, the skills I am learning at TAFE NSW are transferrable and can be used to fix a lot of different things, not just boats,” said Maddison, who will have national recognition as a trade qualified shipwright or boat repairer at the end of her apprenticeship. “It’s really satisfying seeing the results of all your hard work and how happy the customers are with their boats.” 

Kirk said the TAFE NSW curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students to meet industry demands. “We know the shipwrights who apprentice people like Maddison value this education, as they are usually TAFE NSW graduates and understand we are equipped to deliver high quality, industry-relevant and innovative training,” Kirk said.

Boating Industry Association (BIA) president Adam Smith said it has been wonderfully encouraging to see more and more females take up marine trade apprenticeships, like Maddison and 2024 BIA Apprentice of the Year winner, TAFE NSW Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology graduate Michaela Douglas.

The TAFE NSW Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding contribution TAFE NSW apprentices make to the boating industry. Nominees are assessed on their achievement, personal development, and contribution to the business throughout the course of their apprenticeship. 

Other 2024 TAFE NSW Excellence Awards winners currently studying Certificate III in Marine Construction include Joel Morgan (Stage 2 Student of the Year; Joel is undertaking his apprenticeship with Mackenzie Marine in Palm Beach), Mark Brown (Stage 3 Student of the Year; based at Endeavour Boatshed, Sans Souci), and Jake Alcock (Regional Student of the Year; based at Steber International, Taree).

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Media contact: Isabell Petrinic, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, isabell.petrinic1@tafe.nsw.edu.au.