HMS Victory Shipwright Apprenticeship Programme
As one of the largest conservation projects in the UK, HMS Victory: The Big Repair is uniquely positioned to become a centre of excellence for maritime conservation and to support the boatbuilding profession, which was added to the list of endangered crafts in 2023.
The apprenticeship scheme will be woven into the project’s boatbuilding processes and will offer the apprentices the opportunity to kick-start their career in the sector from a high-profile conservation project
What is an apprenticeship programme?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program combining on-the-job experience with classroom or theoretical learning. It is designed to help someone gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade, profession, or career path.
Typically, key features of an apprenticeship are: paid work, apprentices usually earn a wage while they learn, hands-on training, most learning happens while working under the guidance of experienced professionals and formal education, as many apprenticeships include coursework or classes, often at a vocational school or college.
Typically, an apprenticeship lasts from 1 to 4 years, depending on the industry and level. At the end, apprentices often receive a recognized certification or qualification.
What will the role entail?
The HMS Victory shipwright apprenticeship will initially offer two individuals the opportunity to experience boatbuilding and learn using traditional techniques on a large scale, with the potential for additional apprentice positions in future phases of the programme.
The scheme will allow the apprentices to work on a much loved and renowned heritage asset of national and international importance; it will give them the best start to their careers and will give the Victory conservation project a new edge, nationally and in the local area.
How does this programme support the Victory Live: Big Repair Project?
The creation of the Victory apprenticeship will offer the project an additional chance to fulfil its ambition of becoming a focal point for the boatbuilding and conservation sectors and will foster skills that will grow with the project.
Will there be more opportunities in the future?
Once the first apprenticeship scheme has ended, we may be in a position to launch a second 32-month apprenticeship programme, which would take us close to the projected completion of the project in 2033.
