From fishing boats to naval ships - Titan Marine Engineering sets a new standard in apprentice training

At a time when many industries are grappling with a skilled labour shortage, Titan Marine Engineering is taking matters into its own hands – investing in young people, hands-on training, and a workplace culture designed to keep people learning and thriving.

Based in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, the company has transformed a disused loft space into a dedicated training hub for its 21 apprentices – complete with classroom space, hands-on equipment, and real-world learning built into every corner.

Titan Technical Quality Manager Danny Newland is proud of the business’ investment in training.

“Our apprentices have access to marine-grade engineering tools like hydraulic shaft coupling systems, a bearing heater and a range of specialist valves, gaskets and engines that help them learn meaningfully and safely on the same kinds of tasks they’ll encounter on large-scale projects.

In addition to the technical training, the business stands out for their holistic approach to training their talent pipeline.

“Our qualified tradespeople are allocated time to train apprentices, and the programme is continually refined to ensure every learner gets the technical support and pastoral care they need.”

Industry training organisation Competenz Training Advisor Rick Oliver says “Titan recognised some time ago that its workforce was ageing, and made a serious commitment to bringing new blood into marine engineering. They’ve created one of the most comprehensive apprentice programmes I’ve seen, and Competenz has prioritised supporting Titan to bring these training programmes to life.”

Titan puts significant focus on wellbeing and personal development. A life development and wellbeing coach visits the business twice a month to offer confidential support to any team member.

Says Danny, “Titan looks for apprentices with good character. We want to keep a culture that accepts diversity, as this builds more character when everyone is working together and understanding and appreciating people’s differences.

“There's a lot of awareness around mental health in New Zealand, so we're very lucky to have someone come in and talk about that and help us. Developing every person in our team can only happen if their wellbeing is balanced and they are in the right space to learn. We want our staff to come to work feeling like this is their happy place. If you've got things going on in your home life, how can you have the most productive, efficient day? It makes it extremely hard if you're worried about things at home and you come to work. It is a huge benefit to us to have processes here that is helping our people keep their mental health on track. They are often working long hours, so we have a responsibility to make sure they are feeling well about this, and our wellbeing coach is someone they can talk to about the hard stuff.

“We're not just talking about mental health, we're actually doing it, we're sort of leading from the front with it,” says Danny.

There’s also a weekly onsite study group, run by newer tradespeople and supported by Rick.

“Apprentices are happier and have a stronger sense of where they fit in the workforce,” says Rick. “Work quality and output have both improved, and you can really feel the pride across the team.”

One young apprentice embodying that pride is 17-year-old Wade Kingston, who joined Titan straight out of Long Bay College.

“I’ve always loved working on big engines,” says Wade. “Growing up on the North Shore, I was always around the water – fishing, fixing bikes, working on cars. This job is the perfect fit.”

Now in his second year of a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (General), Wade has already tackled major real-world projects, including working on a Navy ship at Devonport Naval Base and machining a massive stainless steel roller for Chelsea Sugar.

“It was tough, long hours, but I learned so much,” he says of the Navy contract. “Being in that environment and working with experienced tradespeople really helped me grow.”

Wade has also made impressive progress with his study work – something Rick has seen first-hand.

“He’s very capable hands-on, and he’s worked hard to lift his theory work,” says Rick. “He’s been turning up to study group sessions regularly, and he’s really starting to hit his stride.”

Titan’s support for neurodiverse learners is another key element of its inclusive approach. The team uses visual aids, animations, hands-on demonstrations, and speech-to-text tools to help all apprentices succeed.

The business is also staying the course through challenging economic times.

“New Zealand is currently facing a period of economic difficulty and with global economic uncertainty, this makes it even more important to focus on what matters – quality and our people,” says Danny. “When you look after your team and maintain top-tier standards, it keeps morale high and efficiency strong. That’s what sets us apart.”

Wade, for his part, is grateful to be learning and earning in a business that values him.

“I’ve already owned two boats and a truck,” he laughs. “I buy things I can fix up – that’s how I learn.”

His long-term dream? To become a chief engineer on a cruise ship.

A former apprentice himself, Danny believes he’ll get there.

“Wade’s got the work ethic, the focus and the character,” says Danny. “That’s the kind of person we want to develop. And when he comes back from working offshore – like many do – he’ll bring even more skills to our team. That’s the cycle we’re proud to be part of.”

With its rich investment in people, passion for quality, and vision for the future, Titan Marine Engineering isn’t just building boats – they’re building the next generation of world-class marine engineers.

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