Three apprentices at the Brightlingsea-based Pioneer Trust have become the first fully qualified Heritage Engineering Marine Technicians in the country.

The trio completed the Level 3 apprenticeships at the Trust’s Harker’s Yard base on the town’s Shipyard Estate, working there for a week a month over two years.

Besides operating the sail training vessel Pioneer CK 18, the Trust restores classic boats and builds the gigs used by clubs in Brightlingsea and other coastal towns.

“Their success represents a significant step forward in the preservation and advancement of traditional marine engineering skills,” said a Trust spokesperson.

“This historic qualification not only recognises their individual commitment and technical excellence, but also marks an important moment for the future of heritage marine engineering nationwide. Their achievement highlights the value of apprenticeship pathways in safeguarding specialist skills and passing vital knowledge on to future generations.