The 2013 Shipwrights Lectures Announced

The annual lecture invites industry leaders from the leisure marine sector to inform and inspire young apprentices, shipwrights and graduates about the breadth, opportunities and career paths available in the UK’s unique and dynamic marine industry.

This year, speakers include Sean McMillan, founder and Managing Director of Spirit Yachts Ltd, whose wooden epoxy boatbuilding company is widely recognised as the most significant builder of classic sailing yachts in the world. Sean’s lecture, entitled: ‘Well I probably wouldn’t start from here’ will reveal his journey with Spirit Yachts, before sharing the expertise required to work with contemporary laminate wood technology, a technique that his company takes pride in using. 

Two ex apprentices from within the industry will be sharing with the audience the range of experiences they have encountered whilst progressing their careers in their company from apprentices to Project Engineers

James Grazebrook OBE, liveryman and one of the organisers of the Shipwright Lectures, will chair a group of six leading specialists, looking at ways the industry continues to improve its environmental responsibilities. A fast-paced discussion will touch on subjects from paint to exhaust emissions, resin infusion, hybrid power, noise levels and waste-water filtration, giving apprentices an overview of developments with an opportunity for questions

Keith Longman is the Yard Manager of Berthon Boat Company and has sent a number of apprentices to the 2011 and 2012 Shipwright Lectures. Keith says, “The Shipwright Lectures have been an excellent platform for our apprentices to build on and broaden their marine industry knowledge and understanding, giving them the confidence that they are part of a successful, growing and forward thinking industry.”
The inaugural Shipwrights Lectures were held in 2011 and attracted apprentices from highly successful companies in the marine industry located from Falmouth to Chichester. In 2012, the number of attendees increased from 250 to 290, as apprentices, shipwrights and students together with their managers, lecturers and industry guests attended the important event.
Keith continues, “The feedback I have received from our apprentices attending the lectures has been 100% positive. Our apprentices have embraced the opportunity to take part and have come away being inspired to achieve in their careers. Coupling this with the chance to meet other apprentices from across the country makes the annual Shipwright Lectures an integral part of our apprentices’ development.”
Training colleges, universities, and industry bodies including the British Marine Federation and classification societies have attended both previous lectures and will again be supporting this year’s lecture.
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights Annual Lectures are free for apprentices, shipwrights and graduates and each will receive a certificate of attendance. Registration should be made online at http://www.shipwrights.co.uk/education/apprentice-lecture-programme