Apprentices from Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth volunteered their skills to help out local schools, charities and community projects as part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).

The 'community help’ project was launched by Pendennis during NAW three years ago, with this year’s event being the most successful and productive yet as the hard work of 62 of their apprentices made a significant impact on ten local causes.

Sue Smith, founder and site manager, of K9 Crusaders at Bissoe delighted to receive some help. “We are a dog welfare charity which provides an invaluable community service within Cornwall, however, we are always limited by the funds available, so assistance with general maintenance tasks such as the re-felting of roofs and various minor repairs has made such a difference to us," she said.

Other organisations that benefited included the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Falmouth Cricket Club, Falmouth’s St Piran’s Day parade, King Charles Parish Church, Mylor Sailability, Helford River Children’s Sailing Trust, Boot Up! in Perranarworthal, Mylor Pre-School and Treleigh School.

Operations manager at Boot Up!, Jane Atkinson, said: “The staff at Boot Up! have long dreamed of having the manpower to re-purpose a derelict 60ft x 40ft greenhouse that sits in the centre of their site, making it into a multi-use indoor space for both classroom and creative activities, and to provide a much needed safe and familiar meeting room for carers, families and professionals.

"After explaining our vision, Pendennis Shipyard sent along five skilled apprentices. In just two days they have cleared the greenhouse of brambles, rubbish and glass and removed parts of the dangerous structure."

During the week a team from Pendennis also competed in the Cornwall College Business Apprenticeship Games, and after a day of a wide range of challenges were victorious.

Jill Carr, HR director at Pendennis and founder of the apprenticeship scheme, said: “The positive feedback from all the organisations we have helped during National Apprenticeship Week is truly heartwarming, and we are delighted that our apprentices have been such inspiring ambassadors for both the shipyard and for apprenticeships.

“Winning the Apprenticeship Games was the icing on the cake to a phenomenal week, and a great celebration of our apprenticeship scheme’s 20th anniversary.”