A&P Group is pleased to report it now has a total of 53 apprentices undergoing training at the company’s facilities at A&P Tyne and A&P Falmouth following this year’s new intake.

A&P Tyne recently welcomed ten new apprentices, bringing its total to 31, while A&P Falmouth has seen six new apprentices join its ranks, bringing the total on site to 22. The recruitment of the 16 new apprentices demonstrates A&P’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future of its skilled workforce.

The new apprentices will benefit from first class training and the prospect of a long career with the largest commercial ship repair and conversion specialist in the UK.

The new intake at A&P Tyne is made up of six apprentice welders, three apprentice platers and one apprentice maintenance fitter. They will all be trained on site and attend Tyne Met College on a day release basis.

At A&P Falmouth the new apprentices are made up of two fitters, a pipeworker, a steelworker, an electrician and a machinist. They will benefit from a partnership between A&P Falmouth and Cornwall College.

Keith Henry, Managing Director of A&P North East, said: “A&P Group is delighted to see our next intake of apprentices arrive on site and I wish them the very best for the future.

“A&P Tyne remains committed to employing apprentices as we firmly believe that apprenticeships are the lifeblood of our business. The development of the next generation of highly skilled trades people will not only benefit A&P, but the wider North East economy.”

Steve Jones, Managing Director Operations and Site Director at A&P Falmouth, added: “Our apprentices work on high profile vessels and projects from day one and learn their craft from time-served professionals in their respective fields.

“Most of them go straight into full-time employment. In fact, 70% of the management, supervisors and technical staff at our Falmouth facility started out as apprentices themselves, which shows just what is possible with the right opportunity, training, and support.”

A&P Group launched its apprenticeship programme in 2008 and since then more than 100 apprentices have started careers in engineering, welding, procurement, finance and health and safety.

After completing their apprenticeships, many progress their careers with A&P Group and gain further qualifications.

David McGinley, Chief Executive Officer of Cammell Laird Ship Repairers and Shipbuilders and Atlantic & Peninsula Marine Services, added: “A&P Group’s success is wholly due to its personnel and it is essential that we continue to bring new talent into our business to ensure it remains sustainable for many years to come.

“I wish all our apprentices well in their career at A&P Tyne and at A&P Falmouth.”