Birkenhead-based marine electrical engineering specialist SeaKing Electrical has successfully advanced its twentieth apprentice into full time employment.
The firm, which employs 150 electrical engineers, has retained all 20 apprentices who are now qualified with NVQ Levels two and three as well as a BTEC national diploma in electrical engineering. They were recruited over a five year period and the two final apprentices, Eddie Gregson and Ryan Kennedy completed their programme this week.
SeaKing Electrical MD Dave Gillam said that the firm is keen to nurture motivated apprentices to capitalise on demand for its services.
“We are delighted that the latest batch of apprentices has progressed into full time employment with SeaKing,” said Gillam. “It is very important for us to future-proof the business by having a skilled, knowledgeable workforce. Training that is specific to what we do as a business is the best way for us to achieve this. The dedication our apprentices have shown in completing three years of study and our 100% retention rate combine to demonstrate that investment in people is beneficial to both employee and employer.”
“With so many electrical specialisms to learn, we give our apprentices three months of supervised training in each area to ensure they have a broad base of skills,” he said. “Specialist areas include CAD design, panel shop, accommodation wiring, engine room installation and work on the ship’s bridge. It is a specific programme with apprentices progressing to more difficult areas as they advance. This ensures they know their way around a vessel electrically and gives us exactly the skills we need.”
Gillam said as SeaKing Electrical grows, the firm will continue to invest in local workforce training and development.
“SeaKing Electrical is seeing growth across all sectors,” he said. “We are picking up work in offshore, industrial, commercial military and are working increasingly on super yacht contracts. As we continue to expand we will look to further invest in our apprenticeship programme.”
All of SeaKing Electrical’s apprentices also spend three months with Peter D Welch, a commercial electrical engineering company that merged with SeaKing in 2010.
“This means apprentices develop a broad and rounded experience of marine and industrial electrical engineering,” said Gillam.
An inspiring story indeed.
