Sam joined Dolphin Quay Boatyard at Emsworth three years ago as an apprentice. He was sponsored by Chichester Harbour Conservancy under the Heritage Lottery Funded project Rhythms of the Tide. For three years, Sam worked four days at the boatyard and attended City College at Woolston for a day a week each week. He successfully completed the City & Guilds Boat Building and Yacht Repair Course. Sam passed the course with credits and is now completing work on his NVQ Level 3.

Tim Gilmore, owner of Dolphin Quay boatyard was so pleased with Sam’s progress that he has now taken him on full-time as a Qualified Shipwright. The boatyard specializes in repairs and maintenance of wooden boats and works on many of the historic boats that moor in Chichester Harbour. During his apprenticeship, Sam was able to work on the restoration of Terror, a Victorian oyster boat.

John Davis, Chichester Harbour Master was thrilled to hear that Sam had qualified. He said, ‘the Conservancy are keen to support wooden boat businesses around the harbour. Many of the skills essential for maintaining these craft are being lost. We are very proud that Sam has successfully completed his course and hope he will work on harbour boats for many years to come.’

Sam, who is currently working on Tim Gilmore’s own boat said, ‘I only came to the yard for two weeks work experience. When I heard about the apprenticeship opportunity, I realized it was my chance to be able to settle down and learn a trade. I love working here, it is a great team and every day brings a new challenge.’

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