British Marine is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new ‘British Marine Apprentice of the Year’ award, set to be one of the many highlights at this year's Southampton International Boat Show (13-22 September).

This prestigious accolade seeks to celebrate the talents of outstanding apprentices within the marine leisure, small commercial, and super yacht sectors.  The winner will not only bask in the glory of being the first recipient but will also be presented with a specially engraved trophy marking their achievement.

The competition is open to all apprentices who are currently active on any apprenticeship standard offered by their organisation - from Business Administrator to Marine Engineer, first-year newcomers right up to those in their final assessment stages.

British Marine is inviting member and non-member employers to nominate those apprentices who truly excel in their roles, by submitting a short video, no longer than three minutes, detailing:

• The apprentice’s journey, from how they started to where they are now and their achievements
• The impact they have had on the organisation and / or sector
• The contributions they have made to the organisation and / or sector

Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, expressed enthusiasm about the new award, stating: "We are incredibly excited to launch the Apprentice of the Year Award, which acknowledges the hard work and innovative spirit of apprentices in our industry. This award not only highlights individual excellence but also underscores the vital role that apprentices play in the future of the marine sector."

A distinguished panel of judges, comprising of Jasmine Kundra (former BBC’s Apprentice participant with Lord Alan Sugar), Lorna Wagner from Maritime UK Solent, Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine, Manj Mahey, Head of Training, British Marine and Tasha Joyce, EPA Operations Manager, British Marine, will review all nominations from which a shortlist of ten finalists will undergo a final review and the ultimate winner decided.

Mark your calendars for 2 August, when the 2024 finalists will be announced!

Each finalist will each receive four complimentary tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show for themselves and their guests and be invited to the much-anticipated Apprentice Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday 17 September 2024, which celebrates the emerging talent in the marine industry.  As part of the ceremony, the winner of the first ever ‘British Marine Apprentice of the Year’ award will be crowned, with certificates presented to each of the finalists.

“British Marine looks forward to celebrating the remarkable contributions of apprentices and is excited to see the positive impacts that this recognition will have on their careers and the broader marine industry”, Lesley concluded.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity or to request a nomination form, please contact Tasha Joyce at njoyce@britishmarine.co.uk or call 07584 563 285

Completed entry forms and videos should then be sent to Tasha either via WhatsApp at 07584 563 285 or email njoyce@britishmarine.co.uk by the 30 June 2024.

For those interested in finding out more about marine apprenticeships, visit: https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/training/apprenticeships