Media Release

Four in five Australian businesses (82%) are experiencing skills shortages. Educating people through practical, industry-focused training is key to helping people start new careers and building the workforce needed for NSW’s future growth.

Lachlan Fraser’s passion for boats started with sailing and rowing while in school. What really interested him, however, were the motors on the back of boats. After holiday work at The Spit Marina in Mosman, Lachlan enrolled in a school-based traineeship to learn to service boat motors. This involved one day of TAFE NSW training in Marine Mechanical Technology, one day in the workplace and three days at school each week.

“It was a good way to gain industry experience and qualifications while still finishing high school,” Lachlan said.

After leaving school, that experience helped him land an apprenticeship as a marine motor technician with Onboard Marine Services in Mosman.

“It’s all systems go in this job. We service engines but also work on all parts of the vessels. This industry has plenty of variety and strong demand for people with skills,” he said.

Lachlan has moved into other parts of the business, but his passion for marine engines and his skills haven’t gone unnoticed. At the Sydney Boat Show, he was named the TAFE NSW state Marine Mechanical Technology Student of the Year and Boating Industry Association (BIA) National Apprentice of the Year.

“My course was at TAFE NSW Ultimo where I had access to so many varieties of marine engines from small outboards to the huge diesel engines in ferries and tugboats. I learned so many different things from my teachers. It’s that real-world experience they pass on to students that really helps,” Lachlan said.

The motor mechanic sector has been identified as a priority occupation in NSW, with strong demand for skilled workers expected into the future. According to the BIA, the boating industry generated $10.5 billion in 2025-26. Boating remains a leading pastime, with one in 10 Australians holding a boat licence.

Vocational education continues to deliver strong results. Jobs and Skills Australia data shows 88 per cent of VET graduates are employed after completing their qualification, with median income increasing by $14,100 in the year after graduation.

Minister for TAFE, Skills and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said Lachlan’s story shows how skills and training can play a part in changing lives and building communities.

“Skills change lives. That's why National Skills Week is such an important opportunity to celebrate the people building new futures through vocational education and training."

"TAFE NSW delivers the skills that work, helps people get into jobs, support the transition to new careers and builds the confidence to take on new opportunities," said Steve Whan. "The days of having one job for life are becoming less common. More people are retraining, adapting and building new skills throughout their careers, and TAFE NSW is helping them do exactly that.”

He goes on to say, "The impact goes well beyond what’s on paper. Stories like Lachlan’s show how skills training and VET can transform lives and communities."

“If I hadn’t done the TAFE course, I wouldn’t have the understanding about engines I now have. I can explain what needs to be done and why, when customers are looking for advice.”

Media enquiries only: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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