Shipwrights Apprenticeship Scheme manager visits Paragon Skills, Boscombe.

The Shipwrights’ Apprenticeship Scheme manager recently enjoyed a very valuable visit to the marine training centre of Paragon Skills in Boscombe, Dorset.  Paragon Skills have invested in upgrading their premises with new plant, engines and equipment fit for the 21st century. The Scheme manager was kindly given the comprehensive tour by Andy Butler, Operations Manager.

At the visit, the Scheme manager had the opportunity to catch up with two of our currently sponsored apprentices who are training with Paragon – Bradley Drinkwater, employed by Cotswold Boat Hire, Swindon and Ashlee Barrell employed by Cox’s Boatyard, Barton Turf, Norfolk. The apprentices were engaged in a lesson with new marine engineering tutor Julian Yates, who was instructing the class on how to strip down and reassemble an outboard motor. Both of our sponsored apprentices appeared very happy with how the course was progressing and believed the training they received at Paragon dovetailed and complemented well with their on the job training  in the workplace.

The marine engineering apprenticeship course addresses the training and skill requirements of the region’s maritime employers, and we hope Paragon Skills will continue to offer the apprenticeship for many years to come thereby helping to build a sustainable marine industry for the southern and east of England regions.