“This win is a huge positive for us with large international companies now enquiring of the option to be licensed to use some of our apprenticeship training programs,” said Busfield.

“This award acts as recognition to the many New Zealand employers who contributed to the writing of the apprenticeship program, and to the more than 200 employers who have 450 apprentices in the NZMACITO program between them.”

The NZMACITO is part of the NZ Marine Industry Association and was set up in order to assist apprentices in learning practical, transferable skills. It was appointed by the New Zealand government to develop professional qualifications and set standards for the marine and composites industries, working with apprentices, employers and training providers to ensure high quality training.

“This prestigious award supports our vision in creating a world-class apprenticeship model through design and delivery, from a passionate and dedicated group of people,” said NZMACITO’s general manager, Chris van der Hor.

“We’re always looking to see how we can make the experience and outcomes better for our apprentices and employers, so we are already embarking on future developments in 2019.

“The real satisfaction lies in supporting our businesses to grow and watching our apprentices gain the skills and knowledge to lead successful lives.”

There have been over 2000 graduates of the program, many of whom are now running boat building or marine service companies around the world.

The award’s night also saw the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Groupe Beneteau’s Annette Roux in recognition of her five decades of leadership and service to Groupe Beneteau and to the wider marine industry.

The full list of winners and honourable mentions is:

Retail marketing initiativeWinner: Princess YachtsHonourable mention: Brunswick Marine EMEA, Groupe Beneteau

International distributor or dealer developmentWinner: BrigHonourable mention: Sea Ray

Collaborative solution between a production boat builder and its supply chain partnerJoint winners: Hanse Group working with Lewmar, Prestige Yachts working with Lewmar, Sunseeker International working with LewmarHonourable mention: Axopar Boats working with Brabus, Solaris Yachts working with Sailectron

Collaborative solution between a superyacht builder and its supply chain partnerWinner: Ferretti working with Francesco Paszkowski Design Studio and Mecaer Aviation GroupHonourable mention: Benetti working with Naiad Dynamics

Innovative onboard design solutionWinner: GaleonHonourable mention: Mastercraft Boat Co

Innovation in a Production ProcessWinner: Absolute Yachts

Environmental initiativeWinner: Amer YachtsHonourable mention: Discovery Yachts

Best Apprenticeship or Training SchemeWinner: NZ Marine and Composites Industry Training OrganisationHonourable mention: Princess Yachts

Rising StarDan Bloice-Smith, Williams Jet Tenders

Lifetime AchievementAnnette Roux, Groupe Beneteau