A new marine apprenticeship scheme is set to start at Penzance Dry Dock.
The four-year apprenticeship programme is being launched by Linked Solutions SW Limited, which offers marine engineering services and consultancy, and also recently took over the operation of Penzance’s historic dry dock.
The four-year programme will involve vessel maintenance, repair work and four new apprentices will work closely with Linked Solutions’ team of marine engineers out of Penzance’s historic dry dock. All training will be at the employer’s premises, removing the lost time and cost of travel for the apprentices.
Linked Solutions CEO Jamie Murphy said: “We want to give these young people the best chance of future success and we believe the scope of skills development here at the dry dock will deliver Cornwall some very highly skilled apprentices.
“The opportunity for learning is as valuable for Cornwall’s marine sector as it is for the young people involved because our apprentices will have the opportunity to work across the whole sector, on a variety of projects that include defence, small dayboats and larger commercial fishing and leisure vessels.
It is envisaged that full-time roles will be available following the successful completion of the four-year apprenticeship, which is being delivered in association with Cornwall Marine Network (CMN).
CMN chief executive, Paul Wickes, added: “Cornwall Marine Network are delighted to support Jamie Murphy and his team at Penzance Dry Dock with their new apprenticeship project.
“Without Jamie’s intervention, Penzance Dry Dock was in danger of becoming holiday apartments, but Jamie has now secured this valuable marine engineering facility for the future of the sector. Our joint apprenticeship programme will develop the future skills needed to underpin this growth.”
