Pendennis Shipyard apprentices shine (From Falmouth Packet)

Pendennis Shipyard apprentices shine

5:56pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

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The Learning and Skills Council has had record entries to the fifth national Apprenticeship Awards as the Government urges employers to offer more Apprenticeship places. This year saw a forty per cent increase, with 1,400 entries from just over 1,000 last year.

The boat building sector will be represented for the first time by two finalists. Falmouth-based super yacht firm Pendennis Shipyard and boat building advanced apprentice Jacob Stimpson from Plymouth.

Pendennis has developed a worldwide reputation for building as well as refitting luxury motor and sailing yachts to the highest of standards since it was founded twenty years ago. The company takes pride in its local roots, and this extends to its training and recruitment programmes, sourcing expertise from the Cornish community wherever possible.

Pendennis began employing apprentices a decade ago, aiming to train local young people as engineers, electricians, joiners and welders. It extended this in 2005 by creating a second Apprenticeship in Yacht Surface Finishing - the first Apprenticeship of its kind in the UK.

Jill Carr, training manger at Pendennis says: "A main benefit of our apprentices is that they inject skills, longevity, and flexibility into our niche business. Apprenticeships help us mould employees through training and on the job experience, providing us with the right level of skills and discipline."

Jacob Stimpson, 26, completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in Boat Building and Maintenance with Princess Yachts International in Plympton. Finishing in just under three years, Jacob has shown not only a high level of workmanship, but also dedication and commitment to his chosen career.

Jacob says: "When I originally left school, I wanted to go to university. I instead opted for an Apprenticeship and have never looked back. I got paid to learn and finished with a job and skills that I can use anywhere in the world.

"During my Apprenticeship, I made health and safety equipment, such as access ramps, which led to a safer working environment. I have also highlighted areas in the master cabin to be redesigned, which has ultimately saved the company time and money."

The Awards are designed to recognise those employers who are successfully using Apprenticeships to improve business performance, and the hard work and commitment of individuals currently on, or who have recently completed an Apprenticeship.

Jacob Stimpson and representatives from Pendennis will join the rest of the finalists at the national Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on Thursday July 10, to be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in Central London.

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