A further 14 young people have graduated from Pendennis’ award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme. To celebrate completing four years of training the apprentices, their families and mentors enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the company’s new hospitality suite against a backdrop of spectacular views over the Fal estuary.

At their graduation ceremony they were presented with certificates and blue hats which replace their red apprentice caps, signifying their progression from apprentices to full time members of staff. The graduates were: Joe Chambers, James Hitchens, Lewis Doubleday, David Banks, Luke Hocking, Tobias Arkell, Harry Smith, Sam Coltman, Dan Peek, Sam Philpott, Dean Oliver, Tom Blewett, Josh Skelton, and Jacob Stone.

The scheme is one of the most popular in the South-West, seeing over 150 applicants for 12 spaces each year, with a new intake having recently started the course. During their first year apprentices spend time studying at Cornwall College to gain NVQs in relevant areas. Alongside this they visit each department at Pendennis to gain insight into all aspects of the business. Each apprentice then selects their speciality area, such as fabrication, engineering, electrical, or joinery and commences on-the-job training mentored by some of Pendennis’ most experienced staff. Over the history of the scheme over 160 apprentices have completed the course, and now over a third of today’s current workforce consists of young people currently undergoing or having completed the course.

Jill Carr, Director of Human Resources at Pendennis, who founded the scheme 15 years ago, commented “We are extremely proud of all the young people who have completed the scheme, and look forward to welcoming them as permanent members of our staff. The high standard of training that they have received ensures that as a company we are able to sustain the exacting standards expected as leaders in the superyacht industry.”