More than 70 marine apprentices were recognised at Southampton International Boat Show as British Marine put training and future careers in the spotlight, with a record turnout for its Careers & Apprenticeship Evening.
British Marine has named Jack Hayden of Fambridge Yacht Haven as its 2026 Apprentice of the Year during a day dedicated to training and marine careers at Southampton International Boat Show.
Hayden, a Marina and Boatyard Operative Apprentice, was selected from a shortlist of six apprentices working across the marine and maritime sectors.
The award came as more than 70 apprentices from Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, Berthon and Fibre Mechanics were recognised for completing apprenticeships across disciplines including boatbuilding, carpentry, marine engineering, electrical engineering and composite manufacturing.
Apprentice Class: More than 70 apprentices from across the marine industry were recognised for their achievements during the British Marine Apprentice Recognition Ceremony. Photo: British Marine
From Weekend Worker to Award Winner
Hayden began at Fambridge Yacht Haven as a weekend worker before progressing to a Marina and Boatyard Operative apprenticeship. He said he was “incredibly proud” to receive the award, adding that his apprenticeship helped him turn his passion for boats and being on the water into a career.
The judging panel praised his enthusiasm for the marine industry and his ability to communicate the value of vocational training.
“His genuine love of being on the water, combined with his commitment to personal and professional development, makes him a highly credible and inspiring representative of the industry,” the judges said.
Record Turnout for Marine Careers Evening
The day's programme concluded with British Marine's Careers & Apprenticeship Evening, attended by more than 300 students, parents, teachers, jobseekers and career changers — compared with a previous record of 100.
Employers, colleges and training organisations outlined career routes in marine engineering, boatbuilding, yacht design, sailing, logistics and marine operations.
Making Connections: Rockley Watersports was among the marine employers and training organisations meeting prospective entrants to the industry during the Careers & Apprenticeship Evening. Photo: British Marine
Participants included Princess Yachts, Berthon Boat Company, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Solent University and Warsash Maritime School, the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, UKSA and the Boat Building Academy.
Training Focus at Southampton
British Marine Head of Training Manj Mahey said the sector offers “an extraordinary variety of careers”, but prospective entrants need opportunities to learn what those careers involve.
The apprenticeships initiative forms part of a wider training focus at this year's Southampton International Boat Show, which runs at Mayflower Park until Sunday, September 27th. Afloat previously reported that the ten-day show features more than 500 watercraft, over 250 boats in its marina and a programme of talks, demonstrations and marine activities.
Afloat has also recently reported on the marine industry's apprenticeship route, with 16 young people joining CalMac's Modern Apprenticeship programme as they begin careers at sea.
