British Marine reinforced its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent with a full day of activity dedicated to apprenticeships, training and career opportunities in the marine sector at the Southampton International Boat Show (Tuesday 22 September).
The day began with more than 70 apprentices from Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, Berthon and Fibre Mechanics being recognised for their achievements and the completion of apprenticeships across boatbuilding, carpentry, marine engineering, marine electrical engineering, composite manufacturing, information and communications technology, and other specialist disciplines. Each was presented with a certificate in front of colleagues, industry leaders and invited guests.
Hosted by former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra, attendees also heard from Charlie Cramer, winner of the 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award, who reflected on his own apprenticeship journey and the opportunities the award had created.
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, said: “The Apprentice Recognition Ceremony is always a very special moment in the show calendar. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hard work, commitment and progress of apprentices while recognising the employers and training providers supporting their development.
“Every apprentice recognised at the ceremony represents the future of our sector. Their skills, ideas and passion will be fundamental to the continued success of the UK marine industry.”
Following the recognition ceremony it was then time to reveal the 2026 British Marine Apprentice of the Year. Now in its third year, the award recognises an exceptional apprentice who is making a real difference within their role, business and the wider marine industry.
From a shortlist of six apprentices representing a range of roles and businesses across the marine and maritime sectors, it was Jack Hayden, Marina and Boatyard Operative Apprentice at Fambridge Yacht Haven, who was named the winner.
Commenting on his win Jack said: “I am incredibly proud to receive this award. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to turn my passion for boats and being on the water into a career, while learning new skills and gaining experience every day.
“I would like to thank my mum and dad and my grandparents. Cathy, for nominating me and Wiggy for his mentorship. Jamie and Stephaine for all their help with the apprenticeship and the rest of the team for their support, including Yacht Haven, for giving me this opportunity. As well as Dave Nichols for donating his time on my apprenticeship.
“I hope my journey encourages other young people to consider an apprenticeship and discover the fantastic opportunities available across the marine industry.”
Jack began his career at Fambridge Yacht Haven as a weekend worker before progressing to a Marina and Boatyard Operative apprenticeship. Since then, he has embraced every opportunity to develop his practical skills and industry knowledge, becoming a proactive and highly valued member of the yard team.
The judging panel, comprising of Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine; Jasmine Kundra, former contestant on the BBC’s The Apprentice; Lorna Wagner, Operations Director at Maritime UK Solent; Samantha Mitchell, Director of SM Employment and Skills Consultants; and Anisha Roberts of Williams Jet Tenders, winner of the inaugural Apprentice of the Year Award in 2024, praised Jack’s passion for the marine industry, learning and apprenticeships, as well as his ability to communicate the value of vocational training through authentic and engaging storytelling.
The judges said: “Jack is an outstanding candidate whose passion for the marine industry, learning and apprenticeships shines through in every aspect of his submission.
“His genuine love of being on the water, combined with his commitment to personal and professional development, makes him a highly credible and inspiring representative of the industry. Jack will be an exceptional ambassador for apprenticeships and the marine sector, using his enthusiasm, experience and authentic voice to encourage future generations.”
The day concluded with the British Marine Careers & Apprenticeship Evening which welcomed a record-breaking audience of more than 300 students, parents, teachers, jobseekers and career changers; shattering the previous record of 100 attendees set last year. The exceptional turnout reflected growing interest in the diverse career opportunities available across the marine and maritime industries.
Attendees were able to meet with employers, colleges, training providers and industry organisations offering advice on apprenticeships, training and routes into careers ranging from marine engineering, boatbuilding and yacht design to sailing, logistics, recruitment and marine operations. The event gave attendees the chance to ask questions, make valuable connections and gain a clearer understanding of the different qualifications, apprenticeships and career pathways available across the industry.
What attendees said…
“Talking to Carnival UK and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary helped me understand what a cadetship involves. I learned about an opportunity I hadn’t considered before, and I’m now thinking about applying. It was also reassuring to hear directly from cadets at Warsash Maritime School about their experiences.” Louis.
“It was a really useful event for young people to find out about careers and opportunities along the South Coast.” Bonnie Parker
“I discovered a much wider range of maritime careers than I expected, from the military and cruise ships to design. It was helpful to meet the colleges and universities too.”
“I found some careers I’d like to look into when I’m older. Everyone was welcoming, which made it a really nice event to attend.” George
“My son wants to be a marine engineer, and we’ve travelled from Exeter to explore his options. Everyone has been friendly and approachable, and has taken the time to talk to us about his future career.” Parent, Sarah Dawson
“It’s made me want to be a marine engineer.” William Dawson
“It helped me find out about apprenticeships and think about what I might do in the future.” Jake
Bringing together employers, colleges, training providers and industry organisations, the event gave attendees the opportunity to get advice on apprenticeships, training and explore careers ranging from marine engineering, boatbuilding and yacht design to sailing, logistics, recruitment and marine operations. Visitors could ask questions, make valuable connections and discover the apprenticeships, qualifications and training routes available across the sector.
Organisations taking part in the event included: South Hampshire College Group, Berthon Boat Company, Tall Ships Youth Trust, the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme, Brockenhurst College, Solent University and Warsash Maritime School, the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, CECA NextGen, UKSA, Rockley Watersports, Winch Design, Wilson Halligan Recruitment, the Boat Building Academy, Sailing Holidays and Princess Yachts.
What businesses and organisations said…
“We’ve supported this event every year since it began because it gives young people a chance to discover apprenticeships and a skilled pathway into the marine industry. Seeing one of our own apprentices win the British Marine Apprentice of the Year award today makes it especially rewarding.” Darryl Bate, Director of Maritime Training and Development, Marine Society and Sea Cadets
“The Careers Evening gives us a valuable opportunity to meet people interested in the marine industry and show them the range of apprenticeships and careers available at Princess Yachts in Plymouth.” Natasha Pawley, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager, Princess Yachts
“This event gives local schoolchildren and students the chance to explore the fantastic career opportunities available in the maritime sector.” James Hallé, Manager, Maritime Operations, People Team, Carnival Corporation
“It’s been brilliant to meet people from different backgrounds, learn what other organisations are offering young people and show how Tall Ships Youth Trust can support them on their sailing journey and into future careers.” Lauren Hill, Operations and Office Administrator, Tall Ships Youth Trust
“Parents often know very little about careers in maritime, so it’s valuable to speak to them alongside their children. The boat show also brings people here from across the country, giving us the chance to introduce many more families to careers at sea.” Claire Guy, Senior Lecturer, Warsash Maritime School, Solent University
“We love meeting young people who are genuinely interested in a marine career, as well as those considering a change of direction. It’s a fantastic event and, for us, even better than last year.” Pip Woods, Managing Director, Rockley Watersports
“This event has grown year after year, and this year has been the best yet. We’ve met people keen to explore opportunities in education, engineering and the military. We’ll be back; it’s one of the highlights of our year.” Mark Hayes, Warrant Officer, Royal Marines
Talking of the event, Manj explained: “The marine sector offers an extraordinary variety of careers, but people cannot pursue opportunities they do not know exist. Events like this bring the industry to life, connect potential entrants directly with employers and training providers, and help build the skilled and diverse workforce we need for the future. Welcoming more than 250 people to the Careers & Apprenticeship Evening demonstrates the level of interest that exists in joining our industry.”
Manj concluded by saying: “Thank you to every organisation that took part, every employer investing in apprenticeships and, most importantly, every apprentice and visitor who joined us for this fantastic celebration of marine talent.”
If you, or someone you know, is interested in starting or progressing a career in the marine industry, you can visit British Marine’s new dedicated Training stand, H196 in New Wave Hall, at the Southampton International Boat Show. The stand has proved a popular new addition to this year’s show, welcoming a steady stream of visitors keen to learn more about marine careers, apprenticeships, professional development and training opportunities.
So, whether you are exploring your first role, considering an apprenticeship, looking to develop your skills or seeking training for your team, British Marine’s training experts are on hand to provide information, guidance and practical support or you can visit www.britishmarine.co.uk for more information about careers, training and apprenticeships in the marine industry,
