Boatbuilding and leisure marine equipment manufacture is a growth sector in the UK employing over 20,000 people and contributing around £1 billion to the economy. 

In Cornwall, the range of marine businesses covers a whole spectrum - from design and construction (boat builders, designers and repairers), operations and shipping (divers, marinas and ferries) to equipment and service (sailing instructors, manufacturers, agents and chandlers) and a host of other related activities. 

Employment in the marine sector in Cornwall is growing and many new types of skilled occupation are being created, including Rigging, Surface Preparation and Paint Application.  World class names manufacturing in the South West include Princess Yachts, Sunseeker, and Pendennis Shipyard. 

The leisure marine industry is also expanding, encouraging the many business start-ups which are happening in this sector.  Marine leisure is a key element in Cornwall's distinctiveness and is often linked to our tourism activities. 

Cornwall's marine industry has always been essential to the economy - and today it is still thriving and bursting with opportunity.

Apprenticeships are high quality, work-based training programmes for young people who want to develop their prospects and career.  When you decide to take up an Apprenticeship, you will: 

• earn real wages
• gain new qualifications & industry standard training
• gain new knowledge and Key Skills
• get a chance to build a career

Apprenticeships are becoming more and more popular. Last year, there were more than 255,000 young people in England training in over 150 different types of Apprenticeship. 

The Apprentice package also includes work on Key Skills such as Communications, Information Technology, Application of Number, Working with Others and Problem Solving.  Key Skills are designed to complement the knowledge acquired and to improve general work skills. 

Each Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 2) can last between 12 and 24 months depending on the occupational area, age and previous experience. 

There's a high demand for many of the Apprenticeships on offer, so be aware that there can be a lot of competition to get a place!