Offshore energy support vessel operator Seacat Services has welcomed its newest batch of apprentice mariners to its workforce to undertake their first offshore ventures.
The six apprentices come to Seacat following completion of initial shore-based training in Cowes, and will join operating vessels to develop the bespoke skills, knowledge and behaviours required to work as a crewmember in the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector.
The training scheme is Seacat’s third apprenticeship programme, introduced in partnership with UKSA and the Isle of Wight College in February 2021.
The two-year, government funded programme follows the Workboat Crewmember Apprenticeship specification launched by the Workboat Association in 2018 to drive training initiatives for the next generation of workboat crews.
The six apprentices are all between 18 and 24 years old, and are all local Isle of Wight residents from a variety of backgrounds.
Seacat Services operations director Rob Cook said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has unsettled so many aspects of life – not least for young people leaving education and looking for work. Against this backdrop we take very seriously our commitment to providing opportunities for learning, development, and employment for the up-and-coming talent in our region.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our latest round of apprentices to our crew, and looking forward to shaping their futures as mariners and as critical supporters of the UK’s growing offshore wind sector.
“Seacat Services leads the industry for quality of service, safety, availability and reliability, and we train our recruits to the highest possible standards to excel in their careers.”
Workboat Association chief executive Kerrie Forster said: “Apprenticeship schemes like those offered by Seacat are critical to ensuring the workboat sector scales up to meet the soaring demands of the UK’s offshore wind market throughout its exponential growth.
“Partnering on this training course, Seacat, UKSA, and the Isle of Wight College reinforce the enviable accumulation of maritime and offshore expertise on the UK’s South coast and enables its young people to excel and succeed.
“We have seen other workboat organisations in the region following Seacat’s lead to establish their own apprenticeship schemes with UKSA, with impressive sign-up rates across the local community.
“It’s great to see the investment into local employment opportunities bearing such fruit, and we look forward to tracking this progress into the future.”