A graduation ceremony for apprentices, hosted by British Marine at the TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show and featuring broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls, has been a celebration of the next generation of professionals entering the marine industry.

The annual event, now in its eighth year, was open to all graduating apprentices from British Marine member companies and saw a cross section of skills represented by the graduates, including sail making, boat building, marketing and business administration.

British Marine Training Manager, Blue Davies, said: “Today we have proudly welcomed 69 graduates into the marine industry. Apprenticeships are key to the both the growth of the industry and the wider skills development in the UK and British Marine is delighted to offer ongoing support to both the graduates and their employers.”

Monty Halls presented the graduates with their certificates and added: “It has been a privilege to welcome the next generation into the marine industry today. I encourage any opportunity to celebrate the many pathways into the industry and it is testament to the hard work of these individuals that we are here today seeing so many smiles on the faces of the students, their parents and the numerous employers these young people will now be working for.”

Graduate Merrin Jupp, who worked as a soft furnishings apprentice with OceanAir said: “I started at OceanAir just over 18 months ago, coming straight from Sixth Form into an apprentice position. This has allowed me to take my theoretical skills and develop my knowledge in a practical, working environment.”

CEO of British Marine, Lesley Robinson, concluded: “It’s been a privilege to be a part of the graduation ceremony today witnessing the next generation of skilled workers enter the industry. British Marine is continuing to develop trailblazer apprenticeship standards to support the industry, and the fact that we develop them with groups of employers, training providers and colleges ensures they meet the needs of the industry.”

British Marine supports young people looking to enter the industry and employers who employ apprentices. For more information, please contact Blue Davies: ADavies@britishmarine.co.uk

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