British Marine celebrates apprentices and future talent at the Southampton International Boat Show

British Marine reinforced its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent with a full day of activity at the Southampton International Boat Show dedicated to apprenticeships, training and career pathways in the marine sector.

The day began with the Apprenticeship Recognition Ceremony, which saw 75 apprentices from nine leading marine businesses recognised for their achievements and for completion of their apprenticeships. Hosted by former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra, the event featured keynote speeches from Robert Parton, President of British Marine, and Anisha Roberts, winner of the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award in 2024, who shared the story of her apprenticeship journey.

Following the presentations it was time to reveal the 2025 winner of the British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award.  Now in its second year, the award showcases the exceptional skills and ambition of apprentices across the marine leisure, small commercial, and superyacht sectors. After a highly competitive judging process, Charlie Cramer from Platinum Marine was announced as the 2025 winner.

The Judging panel, made up of Lesley Robinson – CEO, British Marine, Manj Mahey – Head of Training, British Marine, Jasmine Kundra – Former contestant on the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, Lorna Wagner – Programme Manager, Maritime UK Solent and Samantha Mitchell – Director, SM Employment and Skills Consultants, praised Charlie for the initiative he demonstrated in securing his apprenticeship, his ability to quickly earn the trust of colleagues on complex projects, and the energy and passion he brings to his role.

His clarity of ambition to build a career in electrical design, to one day mentor apprentices himself, and ultimately to become an industry leader, resonated strongly with the panel. Judges also noted the authentic way in which Charlie shared his apprenticeship journey, describing him as a natural ambassador for apprenticeships and for the wider marine sector.

“Winning this award is an incredible honour. My apprenticeship with Platinum Marine has given me the chance to learn, grow, and develop a career I’m passionate about. I hope to build on this opportunity and, in time, support others coming into the sector,” commented Charlie.

Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, added: “The apprentices and finalists we have celebrated today reflect the strength of the UK marine sector’s workforce pipeline. Their talent, passion, and ambition underline the importance of apprenticeships as a vital entry point into our industry. Charlie’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved with the right support and commitment.”

The day concluded with the Careers and Apprenticeship Evening, which brought together 15 companies and training providers, to showcase the wealth of marine career opportunities available. The event, the biggest careers event to date, welcomed over 100 prospective apprentices, career changers, and parents keen to understand the scope of roles across the industry.  Special thanks to all the companies who participated:

• Searegs
• Marine Society & Sea Cadets
• Bournemouth & Poole College
• Carnival UK Maritime
• City College Southampton / South Hampshire College Group
• Berthon Boat Company Ltd
• Tall Ships Youth Trust
• Maritime and Transport Careers Programme (MTCP)
• Brockenhurst College
• Solent AC and Warsash Maritime School
• Royal Navy
• Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)
• UKSA
• Rockley Watersports
• Landau

Speaking of the event Katie Bruce, Engagement Lead, Maritime Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) commented: “Events like this are essential in demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available in the marine sector. Meeting future talent face-to-face allows us to show the diverse and rewarding careers that exist, while also strengthening our recruitment pipeline.”

Attending the event to discover the range of opportunities on offer in the marine industry, was Josephine from Southampton who said: “The Careers and Apprenticeship Evening was such an eye-opener. I had no idea there were so many different routes into the marine industry, from engineering and design to watersports and maritime roles. Speaking directly with companies gave me a real sense of what’s possible, and it’s inspired me to seriously consider a career in this sector.”

Also among the many supporters of the careers event was Darren Paffey, Labour Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen, who said: “Southampton has a proud maritime heritage, and it’s inspiring to see that tradition carried forward through events like the Careers and Apprenticeship Evening. To have so many local young people, parents, and career changers engaging directly with businesses and training providers shows the real appetite for marine careers in our city. The marine industry is not only central to Southampton’s history but also to our future prosperity, and creating these opportunities for local people to build skills and explore rewarding careers is invaluable. My thanks go to British Marine and all the participating organisations for investing in the future of our community.”

Through its recognition of achievements, celebration of excellence, and practical careers advice, the day highlighted the scale of opportunity within the UK marine industry and British Marine’s role in championing skills and workforce development.

For more information about training and career opportunities in the marine sector, visit www.britishmarine.co.uk/training