Trainee boat builder Alice Le Good has been awarded the Young Apprentice of the Year honours at the inaugural LSC South East Learning and Skills Awards.

The 16-year-old, from Hedge End in Hampshire, is currently undertaking a work placement at Hamble Yacht Services and is carrying out her apprenticeship in engineering with a view to working in the marine industry.

“I’ve always had an interest in boats and always wanted to find out how things work, so when I was offered a course that incorporated both of these things, I jumped at the chance,” says Alice. “As my course progressed, I could see that more and more of what I was being taught in the workshop could be used in a true working environment. I now want to follow a career in the marine industry and hope to have my own business at some point in the future.”

Working at Hamble, Alice has stepped and rigged masts, made and fitted guardrails, and performed rig inspections on yachts of sizes ranging from 21ft to 80ft.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has created the award to recognise people who succeed against the odds, as well as companies that offer training and support that actually benefits both the individual and the business.