According to recent findings from the Boating Industry Association (BIA), over 90% of Australia’s marine industry is alarmed by a significant shortage of skilled labor. The 2026 National Jobs & Skills Survey highlights both immediate and long-term workforce issues within the recreational boating sector, revealing that these shortages are adversely affecting operational capabilities and financial performance across the industry. This challenge is particularly pressing for a sector that contributes over $10.2 billion annually to the national economy and employs around 35,000 individuals across more than 2,000 businesses.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding emphasized the urgent need for investment in workforce development and vocational training, noting that workforce shortages pose a direct threat to industry prosperity. With 75% of BIA members operating small family businesses, many are experiencing revenue losses and customer attrition due to the inability to find qualified workers. The survey indicates that 90.1% of businesses are concerned about the shortage of skilled labor, while 88.4% worry about the diminishing number of apprentices.
In addition to traditional trade skills, there is a rising demand for non-trade skilled workers, with nearly half of businesses looking to hire in this area. The survey also evaluated recruitment methods, finding that while mainstream platforms like Seek are popular, specialized platforms like Marine Jobs offer competitive success rates at lower costs. Fielding noted the effectiveness of a multi-faceted recruitment approach that includes both specialized platforms and grassroots engagement with schools. The BIA remains committed to addressing the skills gap and promoting marine career paths in collaboration with various stakeholders.
