A total number of six teenagers from Oxfordshire have been given a unique opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the British marine industry, following the completion of an innovative training scheme, created by Williams Performance Tenders.

Williams Performance Tenders' young trainees

The young people were selected earlier this year to attend six weeks of practical workshops at Williams’ Berinsfield base, with the sessions specially designed to offer young people the chance to learn life-long skills and more about the marine industry.

The classes, which taught valuable practical skills that can now be used for future employment, culminated with a race at Williams’ test lake, where students were able to see the boats they helped to build take to the water for the first time. All students will now receive a reference, and one will be taken on as a full-time apprentice when they leave school this summer.

The scheme was the brainchild of brothers Mathew and John Hornsby, founders of Williams Performance Tenders, and run in partnership with training charity Employment Action Group.

Mathew commented: “The idea of the programme was to give youngsters a chance to learn practical skills, and we have been hugely impressed with their commitment and enthusiasm over the past weeks. It was great to see the students testing their own boats, watched proudly by family and friends.

“We are very pleased to have been able to give something back to our local area, and provide much-needed engagement and employment opportunities for young people. We now look forward to welcoming one of the students back to the factory later this year, as a full-time apprentice.”