Young Cornish Marine Engineers Gain Work Placements Following Training Scheme

A group of Cornish marine engineering students are embarking on work placements after completing Cornwall Marine Network’s vocational training scheme.

The young people, who were all previously at risk of being unemployed or not in education, undertook the comprehensive 12 week introductory training programme, which also teaches functional skills needed for the workforce.

The free course provides a Level 1 Performing Engineering Operations NVQ qualification and the latest graduates will now progress into work experience and jobs, as well as pursue potential apprenticeship opportunities within Cornwall’s marine sector. Some of the group are also signing up for further specialist marine training to support them in their career paths.

Jack Whyment, 18, from St Martin near Helston, (pictured) said:

“This course has helped me focus on what I really want to do and has given me a good set of skills.”

Cornish marine employers have been quick to back the popular scheme. Truro Harbour Commissioners and Mylor Yacht Harbour are offering work placements over the summer, Powerfal in Penryn and JE Marine in Falmouth have donated equipment needed for the hands-on training, and Feritech Ltd and Challenger Marine in Penryn have provided workshop facilities. Jamie Eddy, of JE Marine, said: “I am very pleased to be able to help Cornwall Marine Network and their trainees by supplying some old outboard motors.  Moreover I am even more pleased to hear that they have helped them to achieve their targets and wish them all the best for the future.”

The training is delivered by Cornwall Marine Academy, a department of Cornwall Marine Network (CMN), and funded through ESF Convergence and Foundation Learning, with Cornwall Adult Education Services. CMN is now recruiting its next cohort of students for the course as well as appealing to marine businesses to further pledge their support by offering work experience or inviting students on site visits.

Steve McGurk, CMN course tutor, said: “We work closely with employers and try and match students with suitable vacancies as they arise. About 15 students have now successfully completed our marine engineering course, which also incorporates Maths and English. Wherever possible we organise work trials, so students can gain real experience and make their minds up if it’s definitely the right career direction for them.”

Image: (Left to right in blue overalls) Students Richard Rentell, Bernie Retallack and Jack Whyment, with course tutor Steve McGurk

For details about CMN’s training provision, which encompasses a wide range of disciplines, please call Anne-Marie Sefton on 01326 211382 or email anne-marie.sefton@cornwallmarine.net.