Cockwells Apprentices Embark on Journey to Master Boatbuilding Skills

Image Credit: Cockwells

In an era where practical skills are increasingly valued alongside academic achievements, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, in partnership with Cornwall Marine Network (CMN), has introduced a Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship scheme, marking a significant milestone during National Apprenticeship Week. This initiative, aimed at nurturing the next generation of skilled boatbuilders, has been met with enthusiasm by its first batch of apprentices, who are already gaining hands-on experience and knowledge in the craft.

Launched last autumn, the program is designed to provide learners aged 16 and above with a comprehensive education in boatbuilding. It covers a broad spectrum of skills, from understanding the unique characteristics of the Cockwells brand and its array of products to mastering essential safety practices within the workshop environment. Apprentices are getting to grips with various boatbuilding materials and techniques, including the wet lay-up laminating process, and are learning to work with timbers and composite materials.

The practical training encompasses basic joinery skills, such as the use of chisels, saws, squares, and mortise gauges, teaching apprentices to create bridle, mortise, and tenon joints. Additionally, they are being introduced to woodworking machinery like band saws, linisher belt sanders, drill presses, table saws, and planer thicknessers, along with advanced methods like infusion and vacuum bagging processes.

Parallel to their practical training, the apprentices attend weekly theory and practical sessions to work towards the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Boatbuilding, laying a solid foundation for their future within the industry. Their rotation across Cockwells’ facilities in Mylor and Ponsharden offers a well-rounded insight into the diverse roles within boatbuilding, from laminating and joinery to engineering and electricals.

Feedback from the apprentices has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the professionalism of the course delivery and the broad skill set they are developing. Louis, one of the apprentices, expressed his satisfaction with the course, emphasising its role in preparing him for a versatile future career. Similarly, Oli noted significant improvements in his woodwork precision and approach to tasks, praising the program for its comprehensive skill coverage.

The initiative has not only been beneficial for the apprentices but also for Cockwells. Dave Cockwell, the Founder and Executive Chairman, expressed pride in the program’s success and its contribution to sustaining Cornwall’s renowned boatbuilding heritage. The apprentices have been welcomed warmly by the Cockwells team, further enhancing their learning experience.

Paul Wickes MBE, CEO of Cornwall Marine Network, highlighted the importance of the training being demand-led and based at Cockwells’ premises, eliminating the need for apprentices to travel and ensuring a real-world learning environment. This approach not only supports Cockwells’ brand and reputation but also aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that will benefit the wider boatbuilding industry in Cornwall.

The Cockwells/Cornwall Marine Network Boatbuilding Apprenticeship Scheme represents a significant investment in the future of the boatbuilding industry, promising to equip a new generation of craftsmen and women with the skills necessary to maintain and advance Cornwall’s legacy in the field.

For further information about the Cockwells/Cornwall Marine Network Boatbuilding Apprenticeship Scheme, head to https://cornwallmarine.net/apprenticeships/l3-boatbuilder-apprenticeship