Manor Marine is an experienced multidisciplinary ship building, marine construction, refurbishment and general engineering specialist, based in Portland Port, Dorset.
Our apprenticeship programme has been established for almost 20 years and many of our workforce today have been with Manor Marine for their entire career.
We currently have a workforce of over 50 with knowledge and skills ranging from carpenters, electricians, fitters, welders to general operators and senior project managers, CAD specialists and a finance/admin team of 10 persons. This excellent variety of skills, knowledge and specialisms across all the company departments has supported a successful number of apprenticeship training schemes.
Our apprentice programmes run for up to five years and in 2018 we have three new apprentices joining us in the following disciplines focussed on marine engineering:
- Electrical
- Mechanical Fitting
- Welding and Fabrication
Each apprentice will do one day release at Weymouth College to work towards their Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme. They will each be mentored by one of our specialists in the areas they have chosen. Their target is to help them learn and gain knowledge during their time with the business and develop a strong safety culture.
The apprentices will have access to well-equipped facilities and technology, tooling & machinery, and the opportunity to work with colleagues who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry; this has proven to be very successful with good retention rates and also providing a workforce to other companies in the area.
For our apprentices to gain the broadest possible overview of the Company they will be given the opportunity to rotate around our organisation learning new skills whilst gaining knowledge and experience of the different areas of our business, such as ship building, general engineering/fabrication, repairs and refits, design and administration.
At the end of their apprentice programme there may be a permanent opportunity for them all within Manor Marine that matches their individual capabilities and desires plus the needs of the business.
We select our apprentices in collaboration with the college and are looking for bright, talented and ambitious people with a strong desire to learn. With a “can do” attitude, a flexible approach, plus the ability to work as part of a team, Manor Marine are pleased to have these talented individuals join the busy team already building the business for future successes.
At Manor Marine, we offer all our employees real opportunities for advancement. Employees are provided with effective career management tools and resources. Overall, we want to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence and for Manor Marine to be a great place to work.
John Tye, Managing Director commented: “20% of our workforce on the shop floor started with us as apprentices. This knowledge transfer now means our Heads of electrical, welding and fabrication departments, (who started their careers with us in 2000/2003) are now passing on their experience to our latest apprentices. We have also had success with our office administration apprentices as our finance account manager completed his apprenticeship nearly 12 years ago. We believe with a high staff retention, and many of our staff being with us for more than 20 years, it has contributed to our strength as an employer and a business in Dorset.