National Lottery Heritage Funding has meant the Brightlingsea-based Pioneer Sailing Trust is looking to recruit two new apprentices.

The trainees will join the trust’s Heritage Boat Restoration and Engineering Apprenticeship programme, offering a unique opportunity to learn traditional skills and safeguard an important part of the UK’s maritime heritage.

Traditional wooden boatbuilding is officially recognised on the Heritage Craft Red List as an endangered craft in the UK. Through its apprenticeship programme, the Pioneer Sailing Trust – which runs the traditional fishing smack Pioneer as a sail training vessel – is committed to ensuring these vital heritage skills are passed on to future generations.

The apprenticeship is ideal for individuals with an interest in boats, maritime heritage, and practical trades, including woodworking, engineering, plumbing, and restoration work. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience working on historic vessels while developing valuable technical skills under the guidance of experienced craftspeople.

The two successful applicants will be employed by the trust and undertake their training in Brightlingsea. As part of the programme, apprentices spend one week each month training alongside visiting apprentices from boatyards across the country, with the remainder of their time spent working on the trust’s restoration and maintenance projects.

Applications for the Pioneer Sailing Trust apprenticeship can be found here and for more information about the apprenticeship programme, or to arrange a tour of the Pioneer Sailing Trust’s facilities, contact Simon on 01206 303373.