Pendennis Shipyard has recently celebrated two milestones in its award-winning apprenticeship scheme. Not only has the company honoured a further 14 graduates from the general apprenticeship, but the next generation of young apprentices started their four-year course.

Their arrival sets a landmark in the history of the company, as the 200th apprentice began the tailor-made course which was initially founded in 1998.

The 14 new apprentices are from all areas of Cornwall, including Falmouth, Newlyn, Mount Hawke, Camborne, Probus, Illogan and Truro. These youngsters will spend much of the first year at Cornwall College, and will also complete 15 weeks of work experience back at the shipyard, which will allow them to develop an understanding of all areas of the shipyard as well as achieving college qualifications.

Following this period, each will select a specialism from joinery, electrical, fabrication or engineering. They will then work predominantly at Pendennis, spending a further three years developing the high level of skills required to work in the superyacht industry, before graduating into a full-time career at the Falmouth yard. Over the past 18 years, over 95 per cent of apprentices have been offered full-time employment at Pendennis upon graduation, and of the early intake apprentices have progressed to senior roles within the company as department supervisors and trade managers.

Mike Carr, managing director, was part of the team that showed the new apprentices around the yard on their first day, “Our new recruits have a fascinating four years ahead of them, being mentored by some of the most experienced and talented craftspeople within our industry," he said. "We are delighted to welcome them to Pendennis to follow in the footsteps of our most recent graduates, some of whom have already won national awards. They all have an exciting career ahead of them in a dynamic international business.”