Riviera has congratulated nine of its apprentices who through hard work and dedication are now qualified tradesmen.

Riviera congratulates nine graduating apprentices

Human Resources manager Deanne Lugton said it was pleasing to see apprentices graduating from all realms of the boat building industry.

“I commend the efforts of each and every one of our new tradesmen who have graduated from their four year apprenticeships over the past 13 months,” Deanne said.

“It is a huge achievement and we are very proud to see the level of commitment, high work ethic and great craftsmanship displayed by Riviera’s future craftsmen.”

Graduating apprentices Scott Salmon (Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction), Stuart Tilsley (Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction), Rhys Phillips (Certificate III in Plastics Composites), Robert Geddes (Certificate III in Engineering Electrical/Electronics), Mitchell Seaward (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making), Bradley Herselman (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Wood Machining), Luke Hawkins (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making), Jai Schmitt (Certificate III in Furniture Making/Cabinet Making) and Jayden Anderson (Certificate Marine Craft Construction) were elated to be recognised for their achievement.

Riviera's chief operating officer Paul Lyons (left rear) congratulates the nine graduating apprentices

Riviera hosted a special lunch to congratulate its newest tradesmen where Riviera’s chief operating officer Paul Lyons commended all nine apprentices on completing their apprenticeships.

In Paul’s address at the lunch he said Riviera had a history of more than 15 years in training and helping to develop the company’s apprentices.

“There are not many manufacturers who have a dedicated apprenticeship program and it demonstrates the commitment Riviera has to its people.  Our people are by far our greatest asset,” Paul said.

“Your achievement marks the next stage in your career as you become mentors to our current group of apprentices. Again congratulations on behalf of the Riviera team.”

Riviera’s apprentices expressed their elation at graduating in the comments below.

“It is one of the best achievements in my life,” said Scott Salmon.

“It was well worth the effort to do a mature age apprenticeship and I was very happy to be offered it,” said Stuart Tilsley.

“I am thrilled to be finished my apprenticeship and Riviera is a great place to work,” said Rhys Phillips.

“I am proud to have completed my apprenticeship, it gives me a great sense of achievement,” said Robert Geddes.

“I am really happy to have completed my trade and I have learnt so much from Riviera.  I enjoy hearing feedback from our owners as it makes you feel so good about the work that you do,” said Mitchell Seaward.

“It was a great feeling to finally finish my apprenticeship and I hope to get even better at what I do and work my way up through the company,” said Bradley Herselman.

“I feel extremely happy that I have finished my apprenticeship and I have worked hard so it’s a big achievement.  My work colleagues have been really helpful and it’s a great work environment,” said Luke Hawkins.

“I am pleased I have got my trade behind me and I am constantly learning and doing new things here at Riviera,” Jai Schmitt.

“I am excited to have graduated and I feel I have succeeded in achieving my goals,” Jayden Anderson.

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.