A luxury yacht maker in Peterborough is investing in the future by strengthening its workforce.

Fairline, based at Oundle, has just welcomed a new group of engineering apprentices to the business as part of an ongoing commitment to build for the future and invest in the next generation of talent.

The company says the return of apprentices to the boat maker is a vital step in its future development.

Fairline has been working with Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, to develop a Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship Programme that is specifically designed around the specialist skills required within modern yacht manufacturing.

Apprentices at Fairline, in Oundle. The carpentry apprentices are enrolled through Tresham College and the engineering apprentices are with Professional Development and Training Ltd in Peterborough.

placeholder image — Apprentices at Fairline, in Oundle. The carpentry apprentices are enrolled through Tresham College and the engineering apprentices are with Professional Development and Training Ltd in Peterborough.

The programme has been carefully developed by Fairline and the college to combine structured college-based learning with practical, hands-on experience within the boatbuilding environment.

Its engineering apprentices are enrolled with Professional Development and Training in Peterborough.

Nipuna Weeras, head of HR, said: “The return of apprenticeships marks an important step forward for Fairline as the company continues to invest in its people and develop the specialist talent required to support its growth.

“It is absolutely the right thing to do, and it is fantastic to see apprentices back at Fairline.”

The company says its current apprentices are progressing ahead of schedule and are moving towards their final end-point assessments.

Mr Weeras said: “Our apprentices are our future leaders.

“We’re committed to giving them the right skills, knowledge and experience to build successful careers within Fairline and the wider marine industry.”

Fairline’s commitment to its apprentices includes paying them the real Living Wage, rather than the statutory apprentice rate.

Mr Weeras said: “Our apprentices are making a genuine contribution to the business, and we believe they should be recognised and rewarded accordingly.

“With the support of our investors, Fairline is firmly back on track and growing.

“We want skilled, passionate people to join our award-winning global brand, and apprenticeships are an important part of building that talent pipeline.”

Mr Weeras also highlighted the leadership of chief executive Oliver Southwell in reshaping the business.

“We are already seeing the results of that work, and there is a real sense of optimism across the team.

“We have a very ambitious journey ahead of us. The team is excited about the coming years and about showing the world what Fairline can bring to the global marine sector.”