Devon MPs welcome Government U-turn over 'vital' maritime apprenticeship
A specialist maritime apprenticeship facing withdrawal over low enrolment numbers is set to be retained after pressure from Devon MPs and industry representatives
Two Devon MPs have welcomed the Government’s decision to retain a specialist maritime apprenticeship after warning that scrapping it could limit opportunities for young people and leave coastal businesses struggling to find skilled workers.
The Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Level 3 apprenticeship is among five specialist maritime apprenticeships that will be retained following a proposal by Skills England to withdraw them because of low enrolment numbers.
The decision comes days after South West Devon Conservative MP Rebecca Smith challenged Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden over the proposed withdrawal.
South Devon Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden had also raised concerns about the impact on coastal communities and maritime businesses.
Ms Smith said the decision was a relief for businesses and young people who rely on the qualifications.
“This is a welcome decision and a real relief for the businesses and young people who rely on these qualifications,” she said.
She added that apprenticeship numbers alone did not reflect the importance of specialist training to local industries.
“What might look like a small number on a spreadsheet can make an enormous difference to a harbour authority or maritime business struggling to find people with the right skills,” she said.
Ms Smith had highlighted the case of an 18-year-old from Plymouth who completed the apprenticeship and went on to use his skills while working on a safety boat during a NATO exercise in Portugal.
“Plymouth and South West Devon have a proud maritime heritage, but it’s the next generation who will keep that industry going,” she said.
“I’m pleased they’ll still have this opportunity available to them.”
Ms Voaden also welcomed the Government’s decision, saying the apprenticeship was important to the future of the maritime sector in South Devon.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that the government has decided to protect this vital maritime apprenticeship,” she said.
“Though niche apprenticeships like this may not have the take up of national schemes, they are critical for the sectors they serve.”
She said removing the qualification could have put the supply of skilled workers at risk.
“Maritime is a growing industry in South Devon, but its future depends on having a sustainable pipeline of talent.
“Axing this apprenticeship could have put this at risk, so I am glad the government has backed away from this illogical proposal,” she said.
The Government’s decision means the Small Commercial Vessel Crewmember Level 3 apprenticeship will remain available, alongside four other specialist maritime apprenticeships that had also been proposed for withdrawal.