Norfolk boat building industry boosted by new apprenticeships
Local partnership revives training for traditional marine skills in East Anglia
Boat building apprenticeships are back in Norfolk, after a Norwich training company secured new funding to create routes into the industry.
Ten apprentices, including three females, have begun their journey at the independent engineering training centre, REAGIT.
This follows the company successfully securing additional funding and accreditation to offer the programme locally.
The initiative aims to address the skills gap in the region's marine industry following the closure of the International Boat Building College in Lowestoft 18 months ago.
REAGIT has partnered with Oyster Yachts of Wroxham to deliver training through a two and a half year course.
This collaboration celebrates reviving traditional marine skills and showcasing exciting career opportunities in one of East Anglia's rich heritage industrys.
Husband and wife team, Wayne and Louisa Stannett, who operate REAGIT, have brought this operation to life:
"We identified a real need and wanted to create opportunities for young people to build careers here in Norfolk," Louisa said.
The first cohort will gain hands-on experience in traditional boat building techniques, including work on the hull of a boat, at the REAGIT yard.
Wayne Stannett said:
"It's about rebuilding skills, creating opportunities, protecting heritage, and showing young people that there are exciting careers available right here in East Anglia."
The Webster Hull and Soul boat building workshop began its operations on 8th June, marking a new era for local marine training facilities.