Boatbuilders a rare breed

There are fewer people taking up apprenticeships

Traditional boatbuilding skills are in such short supply in the south of England that there are more than 800 vacancies in boatyards.

The large number of vacancies and drop in skilled staff are causing concern among employers in the trade.

Piers Wilson, from Southampton Yacht Services, said: "Over the years now there's been a reduction in the large yacht yards in the area.

"In the old days they all had apprentice schemes.

Paul Harbach introduced his friend to the business

"Now there are many many fewer apprentices going through."

The company has started paying a bounty bonus to employees who bring friends into work.

Paul Harbach, who is a shipwright, will be paid £500 for introducing his friend Peter Cave, a qualified joiner, to the business.

"The yard that Peter was at was running short of work.

"I just phoned Peter and let him know that there was jobs available here."

This week a new boat building qualification has begun at colleges in Southampton, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight to try to stop the decline.