Speakers announced for Shipwrights’ Lectures 2015
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights has released this year’s programme of prestigious speakers. With current entries exceeding those of this time last year, we would encourage registration sooner rather than later.
Registration should be made online at: shipwrights.tic.dev.uk/education/shipwrights-lectures
Now in its fifth year, the annual lectures invite industry leaders from the marine sector to inform and inspire young apprentices, shipwrights and graduates about the breadth, opportunities and career paths available in the UK’s unique and dynamic marine industry.
Commencing proceedings will be Berthon Boat Company’s second year Engineer Apprentice Nathan Smith and fourth year Shipwright Apprentice Jack Gunstone-Smith. They will share their experiences as apprentices within the industry, including their participation in the voyage from New Zealand to Lymington on Grey Wolf, an FPB64 designed by Steve Dashew.
Matt Sheahan, Technical Editor at Yachting World magazine, will chair a group of six leading specialists on the topic: “Marine Propulsion – Past, Present and Future.” A fast-paced discussion will outline the development of power and propulsion systems, giving apprentices an insight into the industry, with the opportunity for questions.
This year we are very lucky to have Henk Weikens, joint founder and shareholder at Pendennis Shipyard as one of our guest speakers. Pendennis’ award winning apprenticeship scheme has trained over 160 men and women in key industry trades over the past 17 years. Just under one third of the company’s current workforce have been trained by the apprenticeship programme, including many who have progressed to senior positions such as Project Engineers, Department and Project Managers.
This year’s closing words will be given by Charles Hunter-Pease, Chairman of the RNLI. Charles was appointed Chairman in 2013 after combining his experience as a successful businessman, RNLI trustee and long-serving volunteer.
Training colleges, universities, industry bodies including British Marine and classification societies will again be supporting this year’s lectures. The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights would like to thank BMT and its MD, Peter French, as the company has generously extended its sponsorship of the Shipwrights’ Lectures to 2017. A Reception for all past and present speakers, together with invited guests will be held after the Lectures.
The Shipwrights’ Lectures were first held in 2011 and today attract apprentices from highly successful companies in the marine industry located from Falmouth to the Mersey. The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights’ Annual Lectures are free for apprentices, young shipwrights, students and graduates. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. For more information on the lecturesand to register please visit shipwrights.tic.dev.uk/education/shipwrights-lectures
