Nurturing Talent: The Journey of a Kiwi Boatbuilding Apprentice

In the coastal town of Whitianga, a story of passion, dedication, and opportunity unfolds. Meet Clinton Raynell, a local lad with a passion for boats and go getter attitude. Born and bred in Whitianga, Clinton’s lineage boasts an engineer father and a grandfather who honed his craft as a spring maker in Rotorua for over five decades.

From a young age, Clinton’s fascination with boats and fishing ignited a flame within him. Fuelled by his passion for boating and fishing, Clinton used his kiwi initiative and determination and sheer audacity, to approach Pinnacle Boats, a local boat builder, and inquired about opportunities within the trade. 

Clinton’s journey at Pinnacle Boats commenced during his spare hours outside of school. Eager to learn the boat building craft, he eagerly pitched in, assisting the team wherever needed with enthusiasm. His destiny as a boatbuilder seemed preordained, evident from his penchant for purchasing and refurbishing broken surfboards and boats, which he then sold while still attending school.  

For Clinton, the allure of hands-on work eclipsed the confines of the classroom, rendering the prospect of university education a distant consideration. He firmly believes that trades offer a head start in life. Undertaking the MAST Launch It School 2 Work program paved the way for Clinton’s transition into a formal apprenticeship in Alloy Boatbuilding, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.

Grateful for the support of his employer, Clinton says the support of Pinnacle Boats, as mentors make them legends in their own right. His advice to fellow school leavers is “to get out there and do it, aim high, and pursue your passion.”

In the eyes of Alistair McEwen, owner of Pinnacle Boats, nurturing apprentices embodies a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and legacy. Reflecting on his own journey, Alistair underscores the pivotal role apprenticeships play in sustaining and invigorating the industry. Having amassed three boatbuilding qualifications and owning his own business, Alistair is a testament to the transformative power of seizing opportunities and paying it forward.

Navigating the apprenticeship process with MAST Academy proved seamless for Alistair and Pinnacle Boats. With an unwavering commitment to their apprentices’ growth and development, they commend the program’s flexibility and robust support structure. For Alistair, investing in apprentices isn’t merely a business imperative but a moral obligation to safeguard the industry’s future.

While Clinton’s Boat building journey is just beginning there is no doubt that he will reap the rewards of hard work and perseverance in the future, and  Pinnacle Boats will have a passionate trades person that they will be proud of. 

If you are interested in having an apprentice, or you want to see what the marine industry can offer you -

 go to  mastacademy.com/getstarted

or contact us at info@mastacademy.com