Graduate apprentice shipwright Tom Ironside of Mac Marine Group, Newport, NSW, has won the 2025 BIA Apprentice of the Year award.
The presentation was made at the Sydney Boat Show with the awards drawing a strong field of more than 35 nominees from a range of member businesses, including boatbuilders, boatyards, marine dealers and global OEM.
A shortlist of finalists were interviewed by the judging panel with three worthy State winners, along with four highly commended and commended nominees.
“At only 22, Tom has already started his second trade qualification in engineering, having just finished his Marine Craft Construction apprenticeship; a testament to his commitment to be the very best he can, demonstrating enthusiasm for continual learning and development,” said BIA president Adam Smith.
Skills and experience
“It’s fantastic to see our members taking such pride in their apprentices and providing them with the very best support to develop their skills and experience, none more so that our overall winner.”
The three State winners for 2025 were: –
NSW Apprentice of the Year – Tom Ironside, a shipwright apprentice at Mac Marine Group.
Queensland Apprentice of the Year – Patrick Bognar, a marine mechanical apprentice at JSW Powersports.
SA Apprentice of the Year – Will Newman, a marine mechanical apprentice at Elite Ski Boats.
Overall winner
Overall winner Tom was presented with a trophy and certificate, along with a $1000 Repco voucher to put towards tools.
BIA will also sponsor Tom to take a trip to the 2026 Auckland Boat Show, including flights and accommodation for a three-day trip for two.
State winners were presented with a trophy, certificate and a $500 Repco voucher.
Two finalists were selected for Highly Commended nominations – Joel Morgan, McKenzie Marine, NSW and Connor McGinley, Northside Marine, Queensland.
The two Commended finalists were Hudson Beaty of Burgars Boat Co, SA, and Tyson Frensch from Maitland Marine Services, SA.
