SKB Sails

Teenager Josh Blakeston is learning to cut his cloth through a sail-making Apprenticeship with SKB Sails in Penryn. During his final years at school he completed a Young Apprenticeship Programme in Watersports through CMN, which whet his appetite for working in the sector.

The 17-year-old from Falmouth recently joined the sail-makers and said: “It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m really enjoying it. I always wanted to work in the marine sector, especially as my granddad, uncle and dad are all boat-builders.”

“It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m really enjoying it. I always wanted to work in the marine sector, especially as my granddad, uncle and dad are all boat-builders.”

Josh admitted if this opportunity had not arisen he would just be “bumming about” and added: “The majority of my mates are at college just for something to do as there aren’t many jobs around. I’m very grateful for this chance. I’m making friends and learning on the job from people with a lot of experience.“

His boss Nick Head is a firm believer in Apprenticeships, having been an apprentice himself.  He said: “The way I see it, you can either spend years in college and then at the end compete with about 15 people on your course for jobs, or you can enter your desired profession and get paid while you learn. At the end of your Apprenticeship you are highly employable and have far better job prospects.”

• Posted: September 27, 2016
• By: Tim Bowerbank