29 August 2024
by British MarineThe Southampton International Boat Show (13-22 September) is set to open its doors to hundreds of apprentices, school children, and career-seekers, as the marine industry showcases an array of exciting opportunities within the British marine sector.
With hundreds of exhibitors displaying some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts, alongside cutting-edge equipment manufacturers, electronic and technology companies, holiday operators, interior designers, creative and financial service industries, and hospitality providers, the Southampton International Boat Show is the ideal venue to inspire and excite young people about the diverse career paths available in the marine sector.
British Marine, a leader in promoting apprenticeships and careers within the industry, will host the Schools, Apprentices, and Careers Day on Tuesday, 17 September. This special event opens the show’s doors to career-seekers of all ages.
Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, explains, “This day is a unique opportunity for young people and career-seekers to discover the wide range of career options that the marine industry has to offer. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of marine professionals by highlighting the diverse roles and industries that make up this vibrant sector.”
The day will kick off by celebrating the achievements of 50 apprentices from leading companies across the marine industry as they receive their hard-earned certificates at a special graduation ceremony.
Jasmine Kundra, star of BBC’s The Apprentice, will host the event and share valuable insights on the road to success. British Marine President Robert Parton will address the apprentices, and also Able Seaman (AB) Angel Collar from the Royal Navy who will share her inspiring apprenticeship journey.
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, added, “Recognising the hard work and dedication of our apprentices is a highlight of the show. Their achievements not only represent the future of the marine industry but also demonstrate the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships can provide.”
Following the recognition ceremony, the winner of the inaugural Apprentice of the Year Award will be revealed.
This prestigious accolade honours the exceptional talents of apprentices in the marine leisure, small commercial, and superyacht sectors. The winner will not only gain the recognition of being the first-ever recipient but will also receive a specially engraved trophy to commemorate their achievement.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Jasmine Kundra (former participant on BBC’s The Apprentice), Lorna Wagner from Maritime UK Solent, Lesley Robinson (CEO of British Marine), Manj Mahey (Head of Training at British Marine), and Tasha Joyce (EPAO Consultant), meticulously reviewed all nominations, evaluating each candidate's achievements and contributions during their apprenticeship.
The shortlisted finalists are:
- Rachael O'Mara, E P Barrus Ltd
- Samuel Sembol, Oyster Yachts Ltd
- Ava Cousins, Premier Marinas Ltd
- Jacob Beak, Tooley's Boatyard Ltd
- Anisha Roberts, Williams Jet Tenders
- Oliver Rickard, Buckler's Hard
- Yacht Harbour
- Henry McNeil, Neil Thompson Boats Ltd
- George Jenkins, Associated British Ports
- Milie Rogers, Pendennis
- Daniel Turnbull, Eyemouth Marine
- AB Angel Collar, Royal Navy
- Connor Chabaani, Sunseeker International Ltd
- Christopher Street, Sunseeker International Ltd
Lesley Robinson remarked: “The quality of entries this year has been outstanding, with nominations spanning the entire industry - from boatbuilders and marinas to the armed forces and port operators. The talent on display made for an incredibly tough decision, and it’s a promising sign for the future of the marine sector.”
The unveiling of the first Apprentice of the Year and the Apprentice Recognition Ceremony will take place from 10:00 to 12:30 at the Holiday Inn, Southampton.
Later in the day, British Marine will host its popular Careers and Apprenticeship Evening (16:00 to 19:00 at the Holiday Inn, Southampton). This event brings together 12 companies and training providers from the marine industry to offer career advice to young people, their parents, and guardians, as well as those considering a career change.
This year’s participants include Berthon Boat Company, Oyster Yachts, Carnival, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Marine Transport Careers, Bournemouth and Poole College, The Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Brockenhurst College, City College Southampton, and SeaRegs Training.
“Having worked with British Marine for several years, attending their careers events has always been a fantastic platform for prospective apprentices! The success rate is remarkable, with a line often out the door for Oyster Yachts. As a marine professional and a huge advocate for apprenticeships, grassroots initiatives, and other training schemes, I believe that events like this solidify the ever-growing nature of the marine industry. There’s no better stage to showcase what we do!” commented Luke Dunton, Recruitment Coordinator at Oyster Yachts.
“I am always excited to support British Marine’s careers fair at the Southampton International Boat Show. It’s a great opportunity to highlight Berthon’s award-winning apprenticeship programme and showcase the fantastic and diverse industry we work in to school children, college students, and teachers,” said Keith Longman, Yard Manager at Berthon Boat Company Ltd.
There’s no age limit to attending the evening event, and all attendees will receive a free ticket to visit the show on any day from 18th -22nd September. If you’re interested in attending and learning more about a career in the marine industry, please register here.
In addition to celebrating apprentices and showcasing career opportunities, over 1,000 students will visit the show from 16-18 September to experience the marine world firsthand.
Students will have the chance to participate in a wide range of exciting activities, including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving.
Over on the Foredeck Stage, they can learn more about the UK’s Superyacht industry and potential career opportunities in the sector. They can also explore cutting-edge research with hands-on exhibits from the University of Southampton, covering topics such as marine robotics, underwater archaeology, wind-assisted shipping, and coastal defences. Plus the opportunity to learn about the Research Vessel Callista and its crucial role in marine science training at Southampton.
Additionally, students will be invited to design their own mini lighthouse as part of the Light the South trail activities, meet RNLI lifeguards to learn essential water safety tips, or even enjoy a mini cruise around the Solent aboard the Ocean Scene.
Lesley Robinson concluded: “This event is not only about celebrating our current apprentices and showcasing career opportunities, but it’s also about inspiring the next generation to dive into the exciting and dynamic marine world. We are thrilled to provide these students with hands-on experiences that could ignite a lifelong passion for the marine industry.”
For more information on these activities, please contact Liv Whetmore at or visit https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/get-involved/
About Southampton International Boat Show
The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.
Get your ticket
Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/
Don’t forget, with every adult general admission ticket, two children under 17 go for free. Plus new for 2024, Young adults aged 18-21 also enjoy free admission, making this an accessible event for families and young enthusiasts alike.
You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets. This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children's Hospital, one of the top children's hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children's hospital truly world class.
Want to make your visit extra special? Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/
The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm. The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.
Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show updates.