Last week saw further 14 young people graduate from Pendennis’ award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme. To celebrate the completion of four years of training the apprentices, their families, as well as mentors enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the company’s new hospitality suite against a backdrop of beautiful views over the Fal estuary.

Apprentices graduation

At their graduation ceremony apprentices 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. Amarjit Basi, Principal and CEO of The Cornwall College Group, said: “It’s a proud moment for all of these young apprentices, who have worked extremely hard over their traineeship.  As a college our ethos is about ‘making learning work’ and building partnerships with local businesses, like Pendennis enables these young people with all the skills they need to succeed.”

Apprentices graduation

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.”