TWO apprentices with a Poole company collected certificates from Sir Ben Ainslie as they graduated at the Southampton Boat Show.

James Turner, 20, and George Bloomfield, 25, from Golden Arrow Marine in Poole, were among 58 youngsters from firms across the south who were congratulated at the show’s fourth annual Apprenticeship Awards.

All had completed the British Marine Federation’s apprenticeship award scheme.

Sir Ben said: “Apprentices are a vital part of the future of the marine industry. In terms of the maritime industry on the south coast, it’s important that we keep motivating youngsters and giving them the options to learn a skill. It’s quite a diverse industry with lots of skills required and as someone passionately involved in the marine industry it’s great to be able to support that.”

The industry is worth £2.9bn in turnover to the UK economy.

George Bloomfield, who moved from Tenerife to Poole in 2010, and James Turner, from Christchurch, completed their four-year course and are now fully qualified marine engineers, having achieved an NVQ Level 3 City and Guilds.

Martin Bizzell, engineering director for Golden Arrow Marine, said: “This was a tremendous day for our apprentices and it was a huge honour to be congratulated by Sir Ben Ainslie on this important occasion. “Golden Arrow Marine has invested in apprentices for over 40 years and this high quality training is vital in maintaining the marine industry standard.”