After working in the hospitality industry for ten years, Woy Woy local Simon Dorrell turned to TAFE NSW to equip him with the skills to be employed at one of the most envious workplaces in the world, Sydney Harbour.

Simon completed the Certificate IV in Marine Operations (Master up to 35m) at TAFE NSW and secured a job as an Engineer at Transdev Sydney Ferries.

Newly released data from the National Skills Commission reveals monthly recruitment activity for Engineers, and Machinery Operators and Drivers increased in December 2020 by 10.7 per cent and 3.0 per cent respectively.[1]

Simon’s work ranges from maintaining marine engines to operating deck machinery, and with many people switching careers due to COVID-19, Simon said a career in the maritime industry is a great choice for those who love the outdoors.

“By living on the Central Coast and enjoying being around water, I couldn’t picture myself in an office job,” Simon said.

“The TAFE NSW marine equipment is the same as you would expect on any large ship. I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and use the incredible electronic equipment and marine simulator.”

TAFE NSW maritime operations and marine engineering experts deliver a wide range of marine qualifications in state-of-the-art facilities across the state and online with TAFE Digital. Students can advance their practical skills using the latest high-quality simulated training equipment.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Maritime Operations, Mario Murzello, said the Eastern seaboard is a hub for national and international maritime operations, and as a large percentage of the existing workers within the industry approach retirement age, there are lots of opportunities for people to launch a new career in Maritime. 

“Maritime is an exciting industry to be a part of; with strong opportunities for career progression, high levels of responsibility, above-average salaries - plus the skills you learn are transferrable across a range of industries,” Mario said.

“TAFE NSW has a wide range of maritime courses that lead to jobs such as maritime transport professional, watchkeeper, shipboard engineer, deckhand or coxswain.”

To learn more about the variety of Maritime courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au, 0408 006 866.

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