Company Opportunities for Marine Apprentice Places
Following a successful bid for support from the government’s Apprentice Expansion Programme the Berthon Boat Company is leading a consortium of marine companies to train young people. The scheme provides funding to support Apprenticeships in Marine Engineering, Boatbuilding, Marine Electrical and Painting and reduces costs for local businesses whilst improving skills across the marine sector.
The initial tranche of 24 apprentices commenced training with Paragon Skills in June 2009 and are currently gaining workplace experience with Berthon and other consortium members who include Discovery Yachts, Southampton Yacht Services, Scorpion RIBs and Moody Decking.
The companies are pleased with the progress of their recruits and this is demonstrated by the view of consortium member, Michael Chalkley of Griffon Hoverwork. He has been overseeing trainees from the scheme and says: "They have fitted into the company remarkably quickly and are proving to be invaluable team members. They will help us to meet the future skills needs as the company continues to grow".
Berthon are overseeing recruitment for the member companies and are currently inviting applications from young people for the 2010 Apprenticeships.
Once again the scheme provides significant benefits for marine companies and there are still opportunities for firms to take advantage of the 2nd cohort of 36 apprentice places. 28 places have already been allocated and so you will need to hurry to apply for this unique recession busting offer of up to £8,000 government funding per apprentice. This is NOT to be confused with the government's latest £2500 offer for apprentices taken on by end March 2010.
The Berthon led Apprentice Expansion Programme has proved hugely successful for all the companies benefiting from the value of funding for the 1st cohort of apprentices, which enabled some companies to take on apprentices for the very first time. Keith Longman, Yard Manager at Berthon said "the benefit of training our future skilled workforce and being able to provide apprenticeship opportunities not only for ourselves but for the wider Marine community is something that we are rightly proud of and makes this such an outstanding pilot to lead."
Brian May, MD of Berthon reinforced the need for other marine companies to participate in training for their future growth: "to have persuaded half the participating companies to initiate a training scheme has been the key to this project and they have responded positively by taking on yet more apprentices this year proving that they already see the immense value to their business. I applaud the government for making this cash available in these uncertain times."
If you are a marine or supply-chain company in the southeast region and would like further information or to register your interest please contact: Keith Longman, Yard Manager, Berthon Boat Company on Tel: 01590 673312 or email keith.longman@berthon.co.uk
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