Marine apprenticeships lead the way in the UK
The marine sector is leading the way with apprenticeships and Brockenhurst College, a foremost provider of maritime training in the south of England, is finding itself at the centre of this change of emphasis on training.
Apprenticeships are important to students, employers and vital to the long term prospects of the UK economy. They offer a viable alternative to University education offering practical training, real life experience backed up by structured tuition.
Brockenhurst College in Hampshire created a dedicated marine department 18 months ago and now has 6 staff that cover a wide range of subjects which include marine engineering, boatbuilding, composites, marine upholstery and RYA courses which are provided at Hengisbury Head. They report that all their courses are currently full with thier marine engineering courses oversubscribed by 200%.
Claire Booth, Business Development Officer at Brockenhurst College noted, 'Marine is definitely leading the way in terms of apprenticeship. We have been doing some work locally with New Forest District Council and the marine industry is in the top four areas of employment in the area. The marine department has the largest amount of apprenticeships at the college. It has risen sharply from 21 apprenticeships last year to 60 apprentices this year.'
Claire notes that apprenticeships are an ideal way forward, not only for the apprentices but employers as well. With the increase in the cost of university fees, young people want to work and gain an important foothold in the employment market. Apprenticeships are a really important way of doing that. Most importantly, 82% of apprentices are kept in employment at the end of their apprenticeships.
For more information please go to: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Send this story to a colleague
