Careers and apprenticeships will take centre stage at this year's Southampton International Boat Show, with British Marine mounting its biggest training presence yet.
New for 2026 is a purpose-built British Marine training stand at H196 in the New Wave Hall. Show visitors, exhibitors and members of the wider marine industry will be able to meet the Training team face to face, look through the new British Marine Training Academy, and ask about courses, qualifications and apprenticeship pathways.
The show will also host the British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award final. More than 85 marine apprentices will be recognised, and a free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening will connect employers and training providers with prospective talent.
Subject matter experts will be on hand throughout the show covering marine electrical work, superyachts, boat brokerage, HR, social media, water safety, marine law and marina management. Visitors will be able to discuss their development needs and get guidance on the courses, qualifications and career pathways most relevant to them or their business.
The team will also introduce the new British Marine Training Academy, a flexible, industry-led online learning platform built for the sector. Its first course, Introduction to the Marine World, is aimed at newcomers to leisure marine and covers how the industry fits together, along with terminology, marine safety, regulation and customer expectations.
More than 35 industry-led training courses sit under the wider British Marine training offer, alongside marine apprenticeships and end-point assessment, recognised qualifications and professional certification, continuous professional development, and both online and face-to-face learning.
The Apprentice of the Year winner will be revealed live on Tuesday 22 September. Now in its third year, the award recognises dedication, resilience, innovation and impact among apprentices making a difference to their business and the wider industry.
Three finalists are in contention. Jordan Matthews-Coles, Carpenter Apprentice at Princess Yachts, left the Royal Navy at 28 to start an apprenticeship with no formal qualifications, and has since developed skills across several production areas, progressing to independently building galleys and port heads.
Niamh Taylor-May, Marine Engineer Apprentice at Princess Yachts, chose a practical, hands-on route into engineering and has grown from beginner into a trusted member of her team, now supporting work experience students and mentoring other apprentices.
Jack Hayden, Marina & Boatyard Operative Apprentice at Fambridge Yacht Haven, progressed from weekend work into a marina and boatyard apprenticeship, embracing opportunities across the yard and supporting marina events.
All three were drawn from a six-strong shortlist judged by a panel of industry judges. The winner receives an engraved trophy and industry-wide recognition.
The same day brings British Marine's Apprentice Recognition Ceremony, celebrating more than 85 apprentices from leading marine businesses across roles ranging from boatbuilding and engineering to business administration and events. Former BBC The Apprentice contestant Jasmine Kundra will host, with certificate presentations and an appearance from Charlie Cramer, winner of the 2025 British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award.
The day wraps up with a free Careers & Apprenticeship Evening at voco Southampton, running from 16:00 to 19:00. Nineteen marine employers, colleges, training providers and careers organisations will be there, open to students, parents, teachers, jobseekers, people returning to work and those considering a career change. Attendees can explore roles across marine engineering, boatbuilding, design, sailing, hospitality, logistics, customer service and marine operations. Every registered attendee also receives a free ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, valid any day from 22 to 27 September 2026.
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, said: "There has never been a better time to discover where a career in the marine industry could take you. This year's Southampton International Boat Show brings everything together, from celebrating our most promising apprentices to connecting new talent with employers and showcasing the training that helps people progress throughout their careers.
"We are particularly excited to introduce our new dedicated training stand and give visitors the chance to learn about the new British Marine Training Academy.
"Whether you are completely new to marine, looking for an apprenticeship, developing your existing skills or planning training for your team, come and speak to the team and discover how we can support you, your career or your business. We're here to help."
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