Wightlink supports Island marine apprentices to learn new skills

Four trainee boatbuilders at Wight Shipyard are getting some extra help with their Apprenticeship thanks to Wightlink Ferries and the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) Foundation.

Jack Powell, Toby Wilcock, Josh Hiscock and Scott Thomas (pictured above) of Wight Shipyard in East Cowes are about to start their two year Level 3 Diploma in Marine Engineering course at Highbury College in Portsmouth.

They will be studying both theoretical and practical subjects at the college’s Solent Marine Academy based in Boathouse 4 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Wightlink is supporting the young men with travel across the Solent and they are also benefitting
from financial help from the RYS Foundation, which promotes opportunities in the marine industry for young Islanders.

Wightlink’s Chief Executive, Keith Greenfield, said: “The UK’s marine industry offers a wide range of rewarding careers and we are pleased to support Jack, Toby, Josh and Scott as they embark on their Apprenticeships.”

Roy Whitewood, Project Manager at Wight Shipyard, said: “Apprenticeships are very important to
Wight Shipyard and also to our shipbuilding industry as they enable us to pass on the skills to the
next generation. Our Apprentices in turn will keep our boat and shipbuilding industry at the
forefront internationally.”