Serco is proud to facilitate a groundbreaking First Nations Maritime Traineeship program alongside the Sea Heritage Foundation, TAFE NSW and the Kings Trust Australia.
Enabling First Nations students to obtain commercial Maritime qualifications, Serco’s Defence team has facilitated a two-year traineeship program for Indigenous Trainees who successfully complete the Sea Heritage Foundation’s General Purpose Hand Training Course.
Through Serco’s Defence Marine Support Services (DMSS) contract with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Serco’s experienced team delivers essential marine support services in naval and non-naval ports across Australia, as well as crewing, maintenance, and upkeep of assets at multiple bases. Serco has successfully provided in-port services to the RAN across Australia for more than 25 years, and it is this strong partnership with the RAN that has enabled a unique opportunity for trainees.
Through Serco’s program, trainees acquire qualifications to become professional Masters and Engineers in the maritime sector. This initiative aims to increase First Nations participation in the industry, and Serco is proud to facilitate the development of skills and provide meaningful experience for trainees.
One of the inaugural trainees, Nick, has now successfully completed his traineeship and graduated from the program with three nationally recognised maritime operations qualifications.
Nick’s graduation is a testament to the success of this initiative and the valuable opportunities it provides for First Nations Australians looking to build careers in the maritime industry. Serco is delighted to welcome Nick as a permanent member of the DMSS team, located at the Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, with two other trainees commencing the program.
Serco Defence Managing Director, Peter Behrendt emphasised the importance of increasing First Nations participation in the maritime sector.
"At Serco, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry. Programs like this traineeship are essential for creating meaningful career pathways for First Nations Australians who have had and will continue to hold close ties to the waterways across Australia. We are incredibly proud of Nick’s achievements and look forward to seeing more trainees follow in his footsteps. This initiative not only supports individuals in gaining valuable skills and experience but also strengthens the future of Australia’s maritime workforce,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing Nick embark on the next stage of his career with Serco and continuing our partnership with the Sea Heritage Foundation to support future trainees on their journey to becoming skilled maritime professionals.”
Sea Heritage Foundation Chairman, CJ Manjarres-Wahlberg thanked Serco for the commitment and support of their program.
“The Sea Heritage Foundation sought to open doors for Indigenous Australians by developing a holistic and immersive maritime experience. This initiative not only equips graduates with job-ready skills but also facilitates meaningful employment outcomes like Nick has with Serco, supporting the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney,” he said.
“In just four years, we have transformed an idea into a program that actively contributes to closing the gap in Indigenous education and employment within the maritime sector.”
The King’s Trust Australia CEO, Michelle Endacott, said Nick is a shining example of what can happen when opportunities are created, fostered and grown locally.
“The King Trust Australia’s Get Into Maritime programme gives First Nations youth the skills and confidence to apply for jobs in the maritime industry and Serco’s traineeship provided the opportunity to build on that foundation.”
“Through this partnership, Nick was able to gain practical experience, receive mentorship, and develop valuable connections within the industry. As a result, he not only secured a job, but also became an advocate for others within his community, showing them what is possible when we invest in their potential.”
“This success story highlights the power of initiatives like Get Into Maritime and the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for First Nations youth to thrive.”
Nick and Serco Defence Managing Director Peter Behrendt