15/10/2026
⚓ **𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬!** ⚓
Last week we had discussions with MP Caroline Voaden alongside other local maritime businesses at Marine Plant Hire UK Ltd South Devon College Marine Academy - Torbay, Devon Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority, highlighting just how important these apprenticeships are to our industry and how the government were looking to axe funding for apprenticeships.
Then yesterday news comes in that this has now been U-turned and protected for future crewmembers looking to get into the industry. 💪
At Kraken Marine Services Ltd, we know first hand how difficult it can be to attract and develop the next generation of skilled crew. These apprenticeships provide a vital stepping stone into an industry that offers some fantastic careers and opportunities.
It's great to see our concerns listened to and, more importantly, acted upon!
A big thank you to everyone involved in getting this across the line, please see the link in Caroline's thread to the house of commons video 👏
**The future of our maritime industry depends on the people we bring into it today!** ⚓🚢
Some fantastic news has just come in! The government has decided to protect vital maritime apprenticeships including the small commercial vessel crewmember apprenticeship.
Recently I met with Marine Plant Hire UK, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority, Kracken Marine Services and South Devon College who all lamented the proposed axing of this apprenticeship which serves as a valuable route into our growing maritime sector.
I raised this issue with the government on Monday and I’m really pleased the Department for Work & Pensions has just issued a statement saying:
“We recognise the contribution maritime apprenticeships make in helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need, while also creating pathways for the next generation to succeed in rewarding careers at sea.
“Having considered feedback from employers, trade unions, training providers, and representative organisations, we can confirm that a decision has been made to retain these five maritime apprenticeships.”
It’s been great to work cross-party with other coastal Devon MPs on this. It’s vitally important to protect our maritime sector and ensure there is a steady and successful pipeline of talent available.
You can watch my question to the Minister here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2408944653266456