Apprentices celebrate graduation at SIBS

The annual Apprenticeship Graduation Awards ceremony returned to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) last week following a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Thirty nine apprentices, along with their employers and families, attended the event which was opened by British Marine president, Ian Cooke. Those graduating, had completed apprenticeships covering a wide range of roles within the marine industry, including boat building, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and mechanics.

British round-the-world yachtswoman, Pip Hare was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Hare says: “I was proud to be part of the graduation. The apprenticeships offer a pathway to some incredibly diverse career opportunities, and I am excited to see where this year’s graduates will go.”

British Marine says that since it last presented the awards two years ago, it has continued to help shape and develop new apprenticeship standards, ensuring that it is ready for future industry demands. British Marine estimates there to be over 300 apprentices on boat building and marine engineering apprenticeships alone.

“This month, new apprentices up and down the country will start their training and pathway into a career in the marine leisure industry,” says Blue Davis, British Marine training manager. “For those wishing to find out more about apprenticeships, all the information is available on the British Marine website.”