South West Lakes Trust Apprentices with Matt Loughlin (left) and Costa Hadji-Argyris (centre) of the Trust and Mark Beckett (right) of Cornwall Marine Network 

More than a dozen marine businesses in Cornwall have recently boosted their workforce through Cornwall Marine Network's unique Apprenticeship scheme, each with tailored funding packages.

As the Government increases its commitment to supporting business growth and employment through Apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week is this week highlighting the benefits of harnessing fresh talent, up-skilling a company's workforce and receiving attractive grant and incentive packages through taking on an apprentice.

Cornwall Marine Network's scheme is specifically designed to take the hassle of recruitment away from the employer while tailoring a grants package around each apprentice. We source their training and provide dedicated specialist support for the duration of either a one year or two to four year Apprenticeship. Crucially, this support can include training delivery at the employer premises.

Cornish marine businesses currently engaging in CMN's Apprenticeship Scheme include: C Toms & Son in Fowey, Black Dog Marine in East Looe, Rock Marine in Rock, Sailtech in Penryn, Falmouth School of Sailing in Falmouth, South West Lakes Trust in Stithians, Mylor Yacht Chandlery, Marine Co in Torpoint, Duchy Hydraulics in Falmouth, Cornish Crabbers in Rock and Sail Shape in Fowey. We are also supporting Westcountry Yachts based in Plymouth.

Cornwall Marine Network recognises the traditional barriers to engagement for small businesses in taking on an apprentice, such as the cost of recruiting and the risk of taking on additional staff. It is committed to developing the best possible model and drawing down Government funding in order to greatly reduce these obstacles. CMN is therefore currently extending its services using a new and innovative Apprenticeship agency training model which further reduces the risks for small businesses and has a tailored package of benefits specifically for small businesses in mind, including a work trial period to ensure the right match is made.

Costa Hadji-Argyris, Cornwall Area Manager for South West Lakes Trust, which has employed five new apprentices, said: "This project fits in perfectly with our charitable objectives. It is all about getting more people into outdoor sports and gives a pathway to employment for local young people."

Lucas Jones, 16, Cai Palmer, 21, Loretta Bowman, 22, Mark Puckey, 20, and Keith Bowler, 19, are all being trained up as watersports instructors at the Trust's Stithians Lake. The one-year apprenticeship will include RYA training, an NVQ in activity leadership and a BTEC in sailing and watersport.

CMN's scheme also offers Apprenticeships in Customer Services, Business Administration, Team Leading, Marine Engineering and Boat Building.

Mark Beckett, CMN's Academy manager, said: "It's win, win for both employer and employee. It is great to see people getting the chance to embark on a career in their chosen field, especially at a time when unemployment figures are so bleak."

For further details about CMN's range of Apprenticeship services please contact CMN on 01326 211382 or email apprenticeships@cornwallmarine.net

February 2012