Princess Yachts Apprenticeships: A Gateway to Excellence in Luxury Marine Manufacturing

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Princess Yachts’ award-winning apprenticeship programme blends *hands-on* experience with academic learning.
• The Princess Yachts Academy and its sister facility at South Devon College offer industry-standard workshops and real yacht hulls.
• Apprenticeships span technical disciplines like Composites Manufacturing and business roles such as Finance.
• ~10% of managers began as apprentices, highlighting clear career progression.
• Partnerships with City College Plymouth and South Devon College drive training excellence.

A Legacy of Excellence in Training

Princess Yachts has established itself as more than just a premier luxury yacht manufacturer — it’s become a beacon of educational excellence in the marine industry. The company’s commitment to training is exemplified by its dedicated training academies and strong partnerships with educational institutions, creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals for the luxury yacht-building sector.

The Princess Yachts Academy: Where Dreams Set Sail

At the heart of the apprenticeship programme lies the state-of-the-art Princess Yachts Academy at City College Plymouth. This purpose-built facility represents a significant investment in the future of marine manufacturing, featuring:

• A specialized marine engineering workshop
• A dedicated boatbuilding carpentry workshop
• Industry-standard equipment and materials
• Real yacht hulls for hands-on experience

The academy’s sister facility at South Devon College further enhances the learning experience, providing apprentices with access to full-scale yacht hulls and cutting-edge training materials.

Comprehensive Programme Structure

The apprenticeship programme at Princess Yachts is carefully designed to create well-rounded professionals. The journey typically begins with a foundational year at college, followed by a blend of practical work placements and ongoing academic study. This structure ensures apprentices develop both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills essential for success in the luxury marine industry.

Diverse Career Pathways

Princess Yachts offers an impressive range of apprenticeship opportunities across both technical and business domains:

Technical Apprenticeships:

• Marine Engineering
• Carpentry and Boat Building
• Fabricating and Welding
• Composites Manufacturing
• CAD Development

Business Apprenticeships:

• Business Administration
• People & Talent (HR)
• Finance
• Information Technology
• CAD Design

Training Excellence Recognized

The programme’s effectiveness hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2020, Princess Yachts received the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to training and development—even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Success Stories and Career Progression

The impact of the apprenticeship programme is evident in the company’s leadership structure, with approximately 10% of current managers having started their careers as apprentices. This testament to career progression opportunities has made the programme attractive to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

State-of-the-Art Learning Experience

The training methodology at Princess Yachts combines multiple learning approaches:

• Classroom instruction
• E-learning platforms
• Blended learning techniques
• Workshop-based practical tasks
• Real-world project experience

Strong Industry Partnerships

The success of the programme relies heavily on Princess Yachts’ partnerships with leading educational institutions. The collaboration with City College Plymouth and South Devon College has already resulted in over 60 successful apprenticeship completions, with numbers continuing to grow.

Getting on Board: How to Apply

For those interested in embarking on this exciting career journey, Princess Yachts maintains a comprehensive careers portal where current apprenticeship vacancies and application procedures are regularly updated. The company also hosts regular open days, such as the upcoming event at their Coypool location in February 2025, providing opportunities to explore the facilities and learn more about the programme.

Testimonials from the Shop Floor

Current and former apprentices consistently praise the programme’s comprehensive nature. Many highlight the professional environment and well-equipped facilities as key factors in their learning success. As one apprentice noted, the Academy provides “everything you could want” for developing a career in luxury yacht manufacturing.

Looking to the Future

Princess Yachts’ apprenticeship programme represents more than just job training—it’s an investment in the future of luxury marine manufacturing. The company’s commitment to developing skilled professionals ensures the continuation of excellence in yacht building while providing valuable career opportunities for individuals passionate about the marine industry.

For those considering a career in luxury yacht manufacturing, Princess Yachts’ apprenticeship programme represents an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry leaders while working with cutting-edge technology and materials. As the marine industry continues to evolve, this programme ensures that the next generation of craftspeople and professionals will be ready to meet its challenges head-on.