Have you entered this year’s Training Awards?

The annual BMF Training Awards are designed to celebrate marine businesses and individuals that demonstrate outstanding business and personal success through investment in training. By recognising this, the awards aim to raise awareness and inspire others to invest in learning and development.

The Awards have three categories:

• Small Company Training Award
• Large Company Training and Development Award
• Trainee/Apprentice of the Year sponsored by MEEMA

 The Marine Engine and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEEMA) are sponsoring this year’s Trainee/Apprentice of the Year Category, as they see training of individuals as important for the sustainability and growth of this sector.

Finalist in the three categories will be invited to the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2010, where the winners will be announced.

The winners of the Small Company Training Award and the Large Company Training Award will receive a trophy and The BMF is committed to promoting these companies throughout the year.

The winner of the Trainee/Apprentice of the year will receive a trophy and an iPod!

The 2009 winners were as follow:

Scott Couch of Princess Yachts International was awarded the Trainee/Apprentice of the year Award 2009
Scott commenced his Carpenter/Boat Building Apprenticeship in 2005. Determined to succeed, he was the first of his group to complete his apprenticeship. Scott has achieved recognition within Princess for his carpentry skills and his apprenticeship log book serves as a model for other apprentices to strive for. 

The Company Training and Development Award 2009, was won by Berthon Boat Company Ltd, who have been training apprentices for over a hundred years.
The company trains apprentices in marine engineering, marine electrics, composites and paining and ensures the appropriate skills bases are maintained and developed for the future. Fifty percent of its current workforce has completed an apprenticeship. Berthon has strong links with its local schools and colleges, which creates awareness of the career opportunities in the marine industry. Recently Berthon also led an employer application for Government funding of apprentices to encourage other firms to participate in apprenticeship programmes.

The Small Companny Training Award 2009 was won by Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School Ltd, for their continuous commitment to training, and ensuring that all their staff are fully up to date with the latest developments in the boating industry.

Further information and entry forms can be viewed here.