NAW 2015 - Boatbuilding trailblazer standards approved

by British Marine Federation on 14 Mar 2015 During National Apprenticeship Week 2015 UK Government has announced that Trailblazer standards have been approved for apprenticeships across a range of sectors which includes boatbuilding. Co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the week is focusing on the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The announcement comes alongside the news that more than 50 employer designed apprenticeships are aiming to have their first apprentices starts as early as September 2015.

Co-ordinated by the British Marine Federation (BMF), the employer group for the marine industry is being lead by Berthon Boat Company and includes Sunseeker International, Princess Yachts, RNLI, Pioneer Sailing Trust, Pendennis Shipyard, Fairline Boats, Broom Boats, Green Marine, English Harbour Yachts, Windboats and Cockwells.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: 'Giving leading firms the power to design and deliver high quality apprenticeships, means we can ensure more young people have the skills our economy vitally needs. Apprenticeships play a key role in the success of our long term economic plan and, with more than two million apprenticeships started since 2010, I am proud to say our reforms are delivering for businesses and young people.'

Sarah Dhanda, Senior Federation Director at the BMF said: 'By developing marine apprenticeships further we are ensuring the continued quality of the industry’s training programme. We will be preserving much needed skills and ensuring the sector is well placed for the future, whilst crucially maintaining a strong profile both in government and with young people.'

The boatbuilding working group continues to work on the next phase of the trailblazer which comprises of developing an assessment plan that will assess the apprentices throughout the apprenticeship until a successful completion.

Throughout 2015’s National Apprenticeship Week the BMF, alongside its members and BIS, has been promoting events and activities which allow the public to explore the background, daily life, and achievements of marine apprentices. You can view the approved boatbuilding standards here

Any boatbuilder, refit or repair yards that are interested in getting involved should get in touch with the BMF.