British Marine brings marine careers and future talent to centre stage at Southampton
British Marine is set to put skills development, apprenticeships and career opportunities in focus at the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) 2026, with its largest training presence at the event to date.
For the first time, British Marine will host a dedicated training stand in New Wave Hall (H196), where visitors and marine professionals can learn more about training courses, qualifications, apprenticeships and career pathways across the industry.
The stand will also provide information on the new British Marine Training Academy, an online learning platform developed for the marine sector.
Its first course, Introduction to the Marine World, is aimed at people new to the leisure marine industry and covers areas including industry terminology, marine safety, regulation and customer expectations.
Industry expertise on the stand
British Marine’s training team will be joined by specialists covering areas including marine electrical systems, superyachts, boat brokerage, HR, social media, water safety, marine law and marina management.
The organisation says visitors will be able to discuss their development needs and receive guidance on training and qualifications suited to their roles or businesses.
The wider training offer includes more than 35 industry-led courses, marine apprenticeships and end-point assessment, professional qualifications, continuous professional development, and online and face-to-face learning.
Training pathways will also cover areas such as boat brokerage, marina management, marine electrical disciplines, water safety, marine law and regulation, marketing, customer service and people management.
Three finalists compete for Apprentice of the Year
The British Marine Apprentice of the Year 2026 winner will be announced during the Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 22 September.
Now in its third year, the award recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated dedication, resilience, innovation and an impact on their business and the wider marine industry.
This year’s finalists are Jordan Matthews-Coles, carpenter apprentice at Princess Yachts; Niamh Taylor-May, marine engineer apprentice at Princess Yachts; and Jack Hayden, marina & boatyard operative apprentice at Fambridge Yacht Haven.
Matthews-Coles moved from a career in the Royal Navy into an apprenticeship at the age of 28, while Taylor-May has progressed from a beginner in marine engineering to supporting work experience students and mentoring fellow apprentices. Hayden moved from weekend work at a marina into an apprenticeship, taking on responsibilities across the boatyard and marina.
The finalists were selected from a six-strong shortlist by a panel of industry judges and the winner will receive an engraved trophy.
More than 85 apprentices to be recognised
The award announcement will form part of British Marine’s Apprentice Recognition Ceremony, also taking place on 22 September. More than 85 apprentices from marine businesses will be recognised at the ceremony, representing roles spanning boatbuilding, engineering, business administration and events.
The ceremony will be hosted by former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra and will also feature an appearance from Charlie Cramer, winner of the 2025 British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award.
Careers event to connect candidates with employers
British Marine will also host a free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening at voco Southampton from 16:00 to 19:00 on 22 September.
The event is aimed at students, parents, teachers, job seekers, people returning to work and those considering a career change. Nineteen marine employers, colleges, training providers and careers organisations are expected to attend.
Visitors will be able to explore opportunities across marine engineering, boatbuilding, design, sailing, hospitality, logistics, customer service and marine operations, and learn more about apprenticeships and qualifications.
Registered attendees will also receive a free ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, valid for any day between 22 and 27 September 2026.
Manj Mahey, head of training at British Marine, said the event would bring together opportunities to enter the industry with ways for existing professionals to develop their careers.
“We are particularly excited to introduce our new dedicated training stand and give visitors the chance to learn about the new British Marine Training Academy.
“Whether you are completely new to marine, looking for an apprenticeship, developing your existing skills or planning training for your team, come and speak to the team and discover how we can support you, your career or your business,” says Mahey.
Leave a Reply