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Apprenticeships

Pendennis is very proud of its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has trained over 375 young men and women in boat industry jobs over the past 27 years. Through these apprenticeships, we’re able to continually develop our workforce, maintaining the world-class standards that we uphold across every custom build or refit.

Just under one third of our current workforce has been trained by the Pendennis apprenticeship programme, including many who have progressed to senior positions such as project engineers, trade, and project managers. From carpentry, woodworking and joinery apprenticeships to marine electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, there’s a world of boat building and yacht building careers to choose from.

We’ll help you to develop your maritime career and yourself. Join us on an apprenticeship in Cornwall and you’ll be taking the first step on a programme that – alongside gaining experience and qualifications – will help you to develop a range of other transferable skills to support your working life.

Your continuous professional development is important to you and to us, and we will help to guide and support your learning as we follow your progression throughout your apprenticeship.

Applications for our 2025 apprenticeships are now closed. Please keep an eye out on our social media channels and website for details about future apprentice recruitment.

Pendennis Shipyard apprentices working together on wiring an electrical component at a workshop bench. Surrounded by tools and materials, they focus on the task while sharing a light moment in a brightly equipped training space.

An apprentice is mentored by a graduate apprentice in the electrical workshop. Photography by Stuart Pearce/Yachtshot

Pendennis Shipyard apprentice operating a table saw to cut a piece of timber in the workshop. Wearing safety goggles, she is observed by fellow apprentices, all equipped with protective gear in a well-organised training space.

First year apprentices spend three days per week at college and two days completing group training in the shipyard. Photography by Stuart Pearce/Yachtshot

Pendennis Shipyard apprentice cleaning a superyacht propeller in preparation for Propspeed coating. Wearing full protective gear including a respirator and coveralls, he works with precision beneath the vessel in a dry dock.

Apprentices paint the propellers of a large motor yacht. Photography by Andrew Wright

Pendennis Shipyard apprentices standing outside a historic stone building, holding paint trays and brushes. Wearing a mix of overalls and protective gloves, they pose in front of an arched doorway, ready for restoration or maintenance work.

During National Apprenticeship Week, teams of Pendennis apprentices volunteer their time and skills to benefit community projects, like refurbishing the railings at Falmouth Parish Church. Photography by Andrew Wright

Pendennis Shipyard apprentice assembling an electrical unit while being observed by a senior team member. Both are smiling during the hands-on session in the workshop, surrounded by red tool chests and electrical components.

Operations Director Charlie Ross receives expert tuition from a Pendennis apprentice during a 'Back to the Floor' session for National Apprenticeship Week. Photography by Andrew Wright

Pendennis Shipyard apprentice applying protective coating to a superyacht propeller. Wearing full PPE including a respirator and gloves, she carefully brushes on the coating while elevated on a platform.

Apprentices paint the propellers of a large motor yacht. Photography by Andrew Wright

Guests raise glasses in a celebratory toast during Pendennis’ 2021 apprentice graduation dinner, under warm ambient lighting.

Raising a glass at the celebratory dinner for graduating apprentices in 2021. Photography by Andrew Wright

Pendennis Shipyard apprentice receiving guidance on operating a drill press from a mentor in the workshop. Both wear hard hats and safety goggles, as they examine the machine closely during the hands-on training session.

During their first two years, apprentices receive a grounding of training in all trades before choosing their specialism. Photography by Stuart Pearce/Yachtshot

Pendennis Shipyard apprentices and staff gathered in front of a superyacht in dry dock, proudly holding an award with the yacht's bow towering behind them under the hoist gantry.

Jill Carr, founder of the Pendennis apprenticeship scheme, with a group of apprentices under the refit of Altair in 2008

Pendennis Shipyard apprentices working together on wiring an electrical component at a workshop bench. Surrounded by tools and materials, they focus on the task while sharing a light moment in a brightly equipped training space.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentice operating a table saw to cut a piece of timber in the workshop. Wearing safety goggles, she is observed by fellow apprentices, all equipped with protective gear in a well-organised training space.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentice cleaning a superyacht propeller in preparation for Propspeed coating. Wearing full protective gear including a respirator and coveralls, he works with precision beneath the vessel in a dry dock.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentices standing outside a historic stone building, holding paint trays and brushes. Wearing a mix of overalls and protective gloves, they pose in front of an arched doorway, ready for restoration or maintenance work.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentice assembling an electrical unit while being observed by a senior team member. Both are smiling during the hands-on session in the workshop, surrounded by red tool chests and electrical components.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentice applying protective coating to a superyacht propeller. Wearing full PPE including a respirator and gloves, she carefully brushes on the coating while elevated on a platform.
Guests raise glasses in a celebratory toast during Pendennis’ 2021 apprentice graduation dinner, under warm ambient lighting.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentice receiving guidance on operating a drill press from a mentor in the workshop. Both wear hard hats and safety goggles, as they examine the machine closely during the hands-on training session.
Pendennis Shipyard apprentices and staff gathered in front of a superyacht in dry dock, proudly holding an award with the yacht's bow towering behind them under the hoist gantry.

FAQs

What types of apprenticeships do we offer at Pendennis Shipyard?

We currently have three different apprenticeship schemes running:

General Apprenticeship - A bespoke General Engineering Programme, with apprentices specialising in one of our in-house trades.

Yacht Painting Apprenticeship - A four-year programme covering all aspects of yacht finishing, exterior coating, and the latest application technology.

Trade Specific Apprenticeship - A two to four year programme for apprentices with previous experience of apprenticeships or good transferable skills in one of our departments.

How does the apprenticeship scheme work?

Our apprenticeships take place at our Falmouth site and will lead to you to achieving nationally recognised qualifications as well as a bright new career here in Cornwall. Your training will normally be delivered in partnership with local training providers and will meet the new National Occupational Apprentice Standards through vocational and classroom-based learning over a four-year programme.

How can you grow with Pendennis?

Your apprenticeship with Pendennis is an introduction to the world of work and gives you the chance to benefit from an award-winning and world-class programme. As an apprentice you will get competitive rates of pay as you are employed from day one, progressing throughout until you graduate as a qualified Tradesperson. On top of your salary an apprentice will also benefit from:

  • A Pendennis pension plan
  • Accredited qualifications
  • Extra-curricular activities include sailing, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award & opportunities to attend youth leadership awards and activities.
  • Annual awards
  • Community activities
What are we looking for?

Pendennis is about high quality in all that we do and getting an apprenticeship with us may seem daunting, but we would like you to prove that you want the opportunity!

If you are interested in an exciting new career with us there are things that you can do and tell us about to support your application; it’s not just about your grades, for example – work experience with an employer, perhaps you might have spent some time here at Pendennis?

Experiences of working in a team, that could include sports teams, Duke of Edinburgh or maybe a project you have worked on, what interests do you have and why? Are you self-motivated and want to learn? If so, we want to hear from you!

How can you apply?

Applications for our 2025 Apprenticeship are now closed and will reopen in early 2026. If you have any questions about Pendennis apprenticeships please contact apprenticeships@pendennis.com.

Pendennis Apprenticeships

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What could an apprenticeship do for you?

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Extra-curricular activities

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Let's Talk

Whether you are looking to build from scratch, restore a classic beauty or make improvements to your current yacht, it all starts with a vision, and a conversation. We're here to discuss your next project, whenever you're ready.

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