Robert McLean, owner of Black Pearl Fibreglass and Work and Play trailers in Hamilton has trained many apprentices since he started his own business over 25 years ago.
Robert completed his boatbuilding apprenticeship with Buccaneer Boats – a business he still greatly values today. “I was an apprentice under the old system – from 1987 to 1992,” says Robert. Gerry Gerrand, owner of Buccaneer Boats, and Robert have long been committed to industry training.
“Our apprentices have a really good base when they come here,” says Robert. “They can learn all about the science of fiberglass and move through to design. We offer our apprentices a wide variety of experiences and a broad set of skills.”
Robert acknowledges that while they have faced some very challenging times over the years, there have also been profitable and successful periods. “With a strong team, you can adadpt in the tough times – we expanded from boating into the motorhome and caravan industry, as well as making trailers and a variety of fiberglass products”
Black Pearl fosters opportunities for staff to upskill and take on more responsibilities. Recent graduates Braedyn Webber and Niki de Baugh are good examples of emerging leadership, contributing to projects like the lightweight fibreglass portable accommodation units designed for easy airlifting into remote locations for hunting, fishing, or conservation work.
Robert’s journey from apprentice to business owner and mentor highlights the importance of passing on knowledge and fostering innovation for the next generation, just as Gerry Gerrand did for him. “I’m very proud of our brand, our partnership with MAST for industry training, and our role in New Zealand’s boating industry”, says Robert.
