Pendennis Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Schemes have long enjoyed recognition in the superyacht industry, and now has enhanced its reputation after being named as ‘Best Apprenticeship’ in the South West in two separate regional awards. This week Pendennis was presented with the ‘Apprenticeship’ trophy in the Western Morning News Business Awards at a glamorous ceremony in Exeter, after previously being named winners in the Apprenticeship & Training Category in ‘Made in the South West’ annual Business Awards, organised by Insider Media Ltd. Pendennis now progresses to the 2016 Insider Media national finals, the winners of which will be announced at a ceremony in Liverpool in June 2016.

The competition was strong with renowned apprenticeships at Fifteen Cornwall, Brian Etherington Meat Company, Mulberry and QinetiQ listed as fellow finalists. It was perhaps the impressive statistics of the Pendennis scheme that lead to the two successes: over the past 17 years Pendennis has trained over 180 young people through two schemes, with over 95% of the apprentices given full-time Pendennis contracts following graduation and a further 17.5% of ex-apprentices now employed in managerial positions. Currently a third of the workforce is either undertaking or has completed one of these apprenticeships.

Mike Carr, joint Managing Director, said “Pendennis is very proud to have been recognised in both of these awards. Our Apprenticeships bring youth, enthusiasm and trained expertise to all areas of our business. Experienced long-term tradespeople and previous apprentices mentor new arrivals, passing on skills and building a strong sense of teamwork between employees. Our success in these awards is a credit to everyone at Pendennis and the industry who supports the scheme and works alongside the apprentices during and after their training”.