British Marine is putting skills, careers and future talent centre stage at the Southampton International Boat Show, with its biggest training presence to date.
New for 2026 is a dedicated British Marine training stand (H196, New Wave Hall), giving show visitors, exhibitors, British Marine members and professionals from across the wider marine industry the opportunity to meet the Training team, explore the new British Marine Training Academy and discover the courses, qualifications, apprenticeships and career pathways available across the sector.
The Show will also host the British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award final, a recognition ceremony celebrating more than 85 marine apprentices and a free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening connecting prospective talent with employers and training providers.
Industry-led learning and expertise
The Training Team will be joined throughout the Show by subject matter experts covering marine electrical, superyachts, boat brokerage, HR, social media, water safety, marine law and marina management.
Visitors to the stand will be able to ask questions, discuss their development needs and receive guidance on the courses, qualifications and career pathways most relevant to them or their business.
The team will also be available to talk about the new British Marine Training Academy, a flexible, industry-led online learning platform created for the marine sector, and its first course, Introduction to the Marine World. Designed for those new to the leisure marine industry, the course introduces how the sector fits together alongside essential terminology, marine safety, regulation and customer expectations. Drop by the stand to find out more!
Speak to the team – we’re here to help
The new stand will also showcase British Marine’s full training offer, giving visitors a clear picture of how they can enter, progress and succeed in the marine industry.
Visitors can speak to the team about:
- The NEW British Marine Training Academy
- More than 35 industry-led training courses
- Marine apprenticeships and end-point assessment
- Recognised qualifications and professional certification
- Continuous professional development
- Flexible online and face-to-face learning
- Training and career pathways in boat brokerage, marina management and marine electrical disciplines
- Courses covering water safety, marine law, regulation, marketing, customer service and people management
From someone considering their first marine role to an experienced professional looking for their next qualification, the stand will offer practical advice and direct access to the people who can help make it happen.
Three outstanding apprentices – one prestigious title
The winner of the British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award 2026 will be revealed live at the Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 22 September.
Now in its third year, the award celebrates dedication, resilience, innovation and impact, recognising an apprentice who is making a real difference to their business and the wider industry.
The three finalists are:
- Jordan Matthews-Coles, Carpenter Apprentice, Princess Yachts – Jordan left a career in the Royal Navy at the age of 28 to start an apprenticeship with no formal qualifications. He has since developed skills across several production areas at Princess Yachts and progressed to independently building galleys and port heads. His journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can unlock successful and rewarding career changes.
- Niamh Taylor-May, Marine Engineer Apprentice, Princess Yachts – Niamh chose a practical, hands-on route into engineering and has developed from a beginner into a trusted member of her team. She now supports work experience students and mentors other apprentices while continuing to build her own technical skills and marine engineering career.
- Jack Hayden, Marina & Boatyard Operative Apprentice, Fambridge Yacht Haven – Inspired by a lifelong interest in boats and marinas, Jack progressed from weekend work into a marina and boatyard apprenticeship. He has embraced opportunities across the yard, supported marina events and shown initiative and calmness in challenging situations.
The finalists were selected from a six-strong shortlist by a panel of industry judges. The winner will receive an engraved trophy alongside industry-wide recognition.
More than 85 apprentices recognised
The Apprentice of the Year winner will be announced during British Marine’s Apprentice Recognition Ceremony, also taking place on Tuesday 22 September. The ceremony will celebrate more than 85 apprentices from leading marine businesses, recognising talent across roles ranging from boatbuilding and engineering to business administration and events.
Hosted by former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra, the event will include certificate presentations and an appearance from Charlie Cramer, winner of the 2025 British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award.
The ceremony will not only recognise individual achievement but also celebrate the employers, training providers and colleagues supporting the next generation of marine talent.
Discover a career like no other
British Marine will round off the day with its free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening at voco Southampton from 16:00–19:00. Open to students, parents, teachers, jobseekers, people returning to work and those considering a career change, the event will bring together 19 marine employers, colleges, training providers and careers organisations.
Attendees will be able to explore roles across marine engineering, boatbuilding, design, sailing, hospitality, logistics, customer service and marine operations, while receiving first-hand advice about apprenticeships, qualifications and routes into the sector.
Every registered attendee will also receive a free ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, valid for any day from 22–27 September 2026.
To find out more and register for the Careers & Apprenticeship evening visit https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/membership/events/southampton-international-boat-show/discover-career-no-other-southampton-international-boat-show-2026-careers-and-apprenticeship-evening
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, said: “There has never been a better time to discover where a career in the marine industry could take you. This year’s Southampton International Boat Show brings everything together, from celebrating our most promising apprentices to connecting new talent with employers and showcasing the training that helps people progress throughout their careers.
“We are particularly excited to introduce our new dedicated training stand and give visitors the chance to learn about the new British Marine Training Academy.
“Whether you are completely new to marine, looking for an apprenticeship, developing your existing skills or planning training for your team, come and speak to the team and discover how we can support you, your career or your business. We’re here to help.”
Visit the British Marine training stand throughout the Southampton International Boat Show to meet the team and discover how you can learn, develop and succeed in the marine industry.
For more information, visit britishmarine.co.uk/training or email training@britishmarine.co.uk
