Birkenhead firm, which operates across the world, has employed a total of 43 trainees since launching its apprenticeship programme a decade ago

Birkenhead firm SeaKing Electrical has taken on four new starters on the 10th anniversary of its apprentice training scheme. 

A total of 43 apprentices have now been employed by the marine electrical specialist. SeaKing employs more than 100 engineers worldwide with a track record delivering projects across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Caribbean and US.

Two-year course

New apprentices Callum Mulrooney, James Fields, Michael Mcevoy Hayes and Bradley Jones will now embark on a two-year extended diploma, NVQ Level 2 and 3, in Electrical Installation alongside a BTEC Diploma in advanced Manufacturing & Engineering.

SeaKing managing director Dave Gillam said apprenticeships represent a long-term investment for the firm and the new recruits underwent rigorous panel interviews before securing the roles.

“SeaKing is experiencing an exciting period of growth as we look to expand into markets including the superyacht sector, while increasing our presence in our more established areas such as naval, cruise and commercial marine,” he said.

“It is essential our team has the skill to fully capitalise on the new opportunities that we have identified in the coming years. This is one of the reasons we like to train people from grass roots level.

Excellent foundation

“SeaKing invests heavily in apprenticeships because they provide an excellent foundation in technical skill and knowledge. We can then mould the recruits into world-class marine electrical engineers.

“Our apprenticeship programme has attracted a great level of interest over the years and we take great pride in nurturing talent and providing jobs for our local community. We are also proud of the strong partnership we have developed with the Engineering College since 2013 which has enabled us to convert many apprentices into full-time workers.”

The Engineering College runs 20 maritime, engineering and sector-support apprenticeships. Courses focus on welding, mechanical and electrical engineering, computer aided design, pipetting, project control, rigging, steel erection, railway track maintenance and non-destructive testing (NDT).