As Princess Yachts marks the end of its 60th anniversary year, the company is inviting applications for its renowned 2026 apprenticeship programme. With a legacy spanning over 25 years, the programme continues to nurture the next generation of skilled tradespeople and industry leaders.
The Princess Yachts Apprenticeship Programme was originally established in the 1990s to address the decline in skilled tradespeople and ensure the transfer of specialist knowledge in boat building. Today, it has grown into a comprehensive programme offering trade apprenticeships in marine engineering, boatbuilding, carpentry, welding, and composites, as well as opportunities in business and administrative roles.
The programme has consistently delivered outstanding results. Over the past four years, more than 55% of graduates have advanced their careers by achieving higher qualifications or specialising in new roles, and all apprentices completing the programme have achieved a 100% pass rate in their End Point Assessments. The scheme has also paved the way for career progression within Princess Yachts itself, with around 10% of ex-apprentices now occupying pivotal positions, including managerial roles, site directors, and executive-level posts. Since its inception, more than 571 trade apprentices have been trained across four trade disciplines.
The programme is highly competitive, with previous years seeing hundreds of applications for just 20–30 places. Apprentices come from diverse backgrounds, ranging in age from 15 to 26, including individuals retraining from previous careers, demonstrating the inclusivity and flexibility of the programme.
Princess Yachts’ commitment to learning and development has been formally recognised through the Princess Royal Training Award, which the company has now won twice, in 2020 and 2025. The prestigious award, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, was presented earlier this month at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall in London by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, in association with the City & Guilds Group. The award recognises the Princess Yachts Apprenticeship Training Programme for its continued commitment to training excellence, highlighting the company’s success in creating a strong talent pipeline, making apprenticeships a viable long-term career path, and investing in skills to secure the future of boatbuilding. The apprenticeship scheme is open to people of all ages, offering opportunities for both school leavers and career changers alike.
Hayley Spencer, Apprenticeship Training Manager at Princess Yachts, said: “Our apprenticeship programme is at the heart of our workforce strategy. It allows us to pass on specialist skills, nurture talent, and provide clear career pathways from apprentice to leadership roles. Every year we see young people and career changers thrive, gaining valuable experience and qualifications while shaping the future of Princess Yachts.”
The programme also works closely with City College Plymouth through the Princess Yachts Academy, offering bespoke courses tailored to Princess Yachts’ operational needs. Apprentices benefit from a structured blend of hands-on workplace experience and formal learning, including opportunities to pursue higher-level degree apprenticeships with universities.
“City College Plymouth has been proud to work alongside Princess Yachts in supporting their apprenticeship programme,” says Jackie Grubb, CEO of City College Plymouth. “Upskilling, cross-skilling, and retraining are vital to building a strong workforce, and we’ve seen generations of families benefit from these opportunities. Over the past six years, it has been inspiring to watch apprentices thrive, develop new skills, and embark on rewarding careers. Our partnership with Princess Yachts is built on collaboration, and together we are helping to shape the future of British boatbuilding.”
Princess Yachts apprentices are supported throughout their journey with mentorship, career clinics, and opportunities to explore different departments, ensuring a well-rounded, long-term career development path.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit Princess Yachts Careers Page for more information and to submit their application. Applications are now open and will close on 1st March 2026.
