Industry-led learning and expertise

The Training Team will be joined throughout the Show by subject matter experts covering marine electrical, superyachts, boat brokerage, HR, social media, water safety, marine law and marina management.

Visitors to the stand will be able to ask questions, discuss their development needs and receive guidance on the courses, qualifications and career pathways most relevant to them or their business.

The team will also be available to talk about the new British Marine Training Academy, a flexible, industry-led online learning platform created for the marine sector, and its first course, Introduction to the Marine World. Designed for those new to the leisure marine industry, the course introduces how the sector fits together alongside essential terminology, marine safety, regulation and customer expectations. Drop by the stand to find out more!

Image for illustrative purposes (AI generated)

More than 85 apprentices recognised

The Apprentice of the Year winner will be announced during British Marine’s Apprentice Recognition Ceremony, also taking place on Tuesday 22 September.

The ceremony will celebrate more than 85 apprentices from leading marine businesses, recognising talent across roles ranging from boatbuilding and engineering to business administration and events.

Hosted by former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra, the event will include certificate presentations and an appearance from Charlie Cramer, winner of the 2025 British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award.

The ceremony will not only recognise individual achievement but also celebrate the employers, training providers and colleagues supporting the next generation of marine talent.

Three outstanding apprentices – one prestigious title

The winner of the British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award 2026 will be revealed live at the Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 22 September.

Now in its third year, the award celebrates dedication, resilience, innovation and impact, recognising an apprentice who is making a real difference to their business and the wider industry.

The three finalists are:

• Jordan Matthews-Coles, Carpenter Apprentice, Princess Yachts – Jordan left a career in the Royal Navy at the age of 28 to start an apprenticeship with no formal qualifications. He has since developed skills across several production areas at Princess Yachts and progressed to independently building galleys and port heads. His journey demonstrates how apprenticeships can unlock successful and rewarding career changes.
• Niamh Taylor-May, Marine Engineer Apprentice, Princess Yachts – Niamh chose a practical, hands-on route into engineering and has developed from a beginner into a trusted member of her team. She now supports work experience students and mentors other apprentices while continuing to build her own technical skills and marine engineering career.
• Jack Hayden, Marina & Boatyard Operative Apprentice, Fambridge Yacht Haven – Inspired by a lifelong interest in boats and marinas, Jack progressed from weekend work into a marina and boatyard apprenticeship. He has embraced opportunities across the yard, supported marina events and shown initiative and calmness in challenging situations.

The finalists were selected from a six-strong shortlist by a panel of industry judges. The winner will receive an engraved trophy alongside industry-wide recognition.

Discover a career like no other

British Marine will round off the day with its free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening at voco Southampton from 16:00–19:00.

Open to students, parents, teachers, jobseekers, people returning to work and those considering a career change, the event will bring together 19 marine employers, colleges, training providers and careers organisations.

Attendees will be able to explore roles across marine engineering, boatbuilding, design, sailing, hospitality, logistics, customer service and marine operations, while receiving first-hand advice about apprenticeships, qualifications and routes into the sector.

Every registered attendee will also receive a free ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, valid for any day from 22–27 September 2026.