COOMERA, QUEENSLAND – We are absolutely delighted that our Riviera apprentice Matthew Gardiner has won the 2018 School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award for the south-east Queensland region.
“I was shocked and so happy when I was announced as the winner of the award,” said Matthew. “I have worked very hard and this is a fantastic reward.”
Matthew is training with the Riviera engineering team, specialising in diesel fitting, and is in his final year of school at Varsity College on the Gold Coast.
“Diesel fitting involves detailed checking and fitting of all the engines and generators in Riviera motor yachts,” he explained.
Matthew’s recognition is part of the Queensland Training Awards organised and presented by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said: “Everyone at Riviera shares in our pride at Matthew’s success. We are delighted that we continue to attract a group of dedicated young people to our school-based apprenticeship programme. I am personally proud that we are able to help advance the careers and the lives of many talented young Australians.”
Matthew said: “Working with the team at Riviera is a dream come true. Boats and the water are my great passion.
“Last year I spent a week of work experience on a Royal Australian Navy ship in Darwin. That sparked my interest in diesel engineering. It was fascinating.”
Matthew is also a volunteer with his local Rural Fire Brigade which led him to Riviera’s Emergency Response Team.
“When I begin full-time work with Riviera I want to become a member of the team,” he said.
Matthew won the apprenticeship award from 800 applicants across south-east Queensland.
Last year Riviera apprentice Bailey Harding won the south-east regional School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Award.
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