A Falmouth-based project that won a south west competition for funding has started with 16 young people on board.
Cornwall Marine Network’s (CMN) Get on Board initiative is the result of a successful application to NatWest’s £2.5 million Skills and Opportunity Fund.
And this month, the beneficiaries of the project have begun their year-long course that could potentially change their lives forever.
David Wickes, CMN academy team leader, said: “Since winning the project we have recruited 16 enthusiastic young people from Falmouth and Helston Community schools.
“They will start either their NVQ Level 1 in Boat Building or Marine Engineering and will also have the opportunity to top-up their qualifications with a Royal Yachting Association Powerboat certificate.”
All the students will be professionally tutored one day a week at a specially assigned workshop provided by KML at Falmouth Wharves.
“It is particularly great to see the students start a potential marine career at a site that is of key economic importance to Cornwall’s marine infrastructure,” added CMN chief executive, Paul Wickes.
“We’d like to thank the marine contractors Keynvor Morlift, new owners of the Wharves, for their generous support with providing a workshop for the 16 young people. We are also very grateful for the tools and materials supplied by Wickes of Truro, Woodstock of Falmouth and CFS of St Day.”
