Olivia
Apprentice Marine Engineer, Sunseeker International
Sunseeker International, UK builder of world famous luxury performance motor yachts, has recognised the benefits of developing apprentices for over 35 years, training on average 25 apprentices annually across its programme.
Olivia is studying an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3) in Marine Engineering, and is fulfilling a placement on Sunseeker’s Test Team, commissioning and testing the boats before delivery.
What made you take up an Apprenticeship at Sunseeker?
I have always enjoyed working hands-on and learning practical skills. Before taking up this Apprenticeship I had worked alongside my dad, who is a car mechanic. I did my work experience in a car garage but felt I wanted to gain experience in a more unique and specialist trade. I felt that an Apprenticeship was the right route for me to follow, and that the most successful way for me to learn was to work manually and learn through experience. I had heard of Sunseeker a long time before I began my application and felt that it was a great opportunity to kick start my career.
How has the Apprenticeship helped you?
From day one I have been learning practical skills, and gaining huge amounts of knowledge both at college and through experiences at work. This goes from learning how to use specific tools to being able to understand full systems throughout the boat I am working on. Before beginning the Apprenticeship I knew very little about what is involved in being a marine engineer, and as I come to the end of college based work I can say I feel confident that I understand engine systems including exhaust, fuel and lubrication systems.
When it comes to the boat building and working on the line, I feel I have made sufficient progress and understanding of working efficiently and effectively while preventing defects in the process of the build. Although there is so much more for me to learn I no longer feel the need to ask so many questions due to the fact I am beginning to answer them myself through what I have learnt. Not only have I learnt about the marine industry I also feel I have gained skills of how to work efficiently alone and as part of a team.
What would be some of your main day-to-day tasks?
When participating in an Apprenticeship you tend to learn the majority of trades within the company, this makes stating an average task quite difficult. On a day to day basis I would say the main task is learning, and taking in everything you can. I couldn’t tell you a day where I have done the same thing twice as every boat is unique and so is every trade. Although there are build specifications to follow, each boat varies in its own individual ways. At the moment I am working as part of the test team and as part of test we have an IPC (In Process Control) to follow which basically states the jobs needed to be signed off as completed. This IPC involves checking bilge systems, alarm systems, lighting systems, steering systems and all other systems on the vessel. This operation varies depending on the boat’s specification. Other tasks involve getting the boat safely into the water and organising going out to sea and doing more tests whilst on the water. We also deal with the issues (if there are any) on the boat, for example parts which we may be waiting for or minor defects which may have occurred throughout the build.
What are you most proud of achieving whilst on your Apprenticeship?
I feel that my best achievement whilst at Sunseeker would be the fact I have passed all of my exams. I have found these a challenge but have worked hard (with help of my work colleagues, college tutor and the apprenticeship coordinator) to ensure all of them are completed successfully. Other than that I would say my best achievement would be the amount I have learnt throughout my Apprenticeship and how my understanding of marine systems has developed.
What’s next? Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Once I have completed my apprenticeship I would like to gain more experience within Sunseeker, maybe progress through the company and gain knowledge of other marine systems and work on different boats. I feel that this would benefit me hugely as eventually I would like to work abroad crewing as an engineer on a Sunseeker, experiencing the vessels on the water and working to maintain somebody’s dream. I enjoy working on the tools and hope to keep learning more and more and become a successful marine engineer.
Would you recommend this Apprenticeship and why?
I would definitely recommend this Apprenticeship as it opens so many opportunities whether you want to work your way upward within the company or want to fulfil a job working outside on the boats. It allows you to gain so many practical skills whilst going into great detail and understanding about marine systems. I feel that this Apprenticeship gives you qualifications to open up great career prospects and sets you up for your future no matter the route you’re going to.
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR APPRENTICESHIP
