British Marine were delighted to welcome back the annual Apprenticeship Graduation Awards ceremony that took place on Tuesday 14 September at the Southampton International Boat Show.

Ian Cooke, President of British Marine, opened the event and welcomed 39 apprentices, along with their employers and families, a total of 73 guests. The apprentices graduating covered a wide range of vital roles within the marine industry, including boat building, engineering, laminating, manufacturing, carpentry, electronics, mechanics and painting.

Pip Hare, British round-the-world yachtswoman, was the guest speaker at the ceremony and captivated the audience with her account of her early sailing career and how she went on to be the 8th woman in the world to complete the Vendée Globe.  A tale of perseverance, robustness and adversity.

Pip Hare said: “I was proud to be part of the graduation today. The apprenticeships offer a pathway to some incredibly diverse career opportunities, and I am excited to see where this year’s graduates will go.”

Over the past two years since British Marine last presented the awards, the association has continued to help shape and develop new apprenticeship standards, ensuring that it is ready for future industry demands. There are estimated to be more than 300 apprentices on the Boat Building and Marine Engineering Apprenticeships alone.  Other courses include the Marina and Boatyard Apprenticeship, the new Marine Electrician Apprenticeship and the Surface Finisher Apprenticeship.

Blue Davis, British Marine Training Manager said: “This month, new apprentices up and down the country will start their training and pathway into a career in the marine leisure industry.  For those wishing to find out more about apprenticeships, all the information is available on the British Marine website, www.BritishMarine.co.uk or call Ulrika for an informal discussion on 07557 016923.”

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