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Apprenticeships

Since the restoration and launch of Pioneer, the Pioneer Sailing Trust has developed Harker’s Yard on the Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea, with the aim of benefitting and developing the local area’s marine industry through training.
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Opportunities

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Level 3 Heritage Engineering Marine Technician

The trust currently delivers apprenticeship training for a Level 3 Heritage Engineering Marine Technician across England, with emphasis on historic…

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Programme Aims

To train apprentices to maintain, service, operate, repair, build, restore and conserve traditional and historical vessels professionally and with confidence. They can be propelled by sail or oar, powered by electric, steam, petrol or diesel prime movers. The fabric of the vessel may be constructed of wood, iron, steel or composites.

Heritage Engineering Marine Technicians carry out routine maintenance and restoration understanding the importance of retaining historic fabric and the original design and functionality of the vessel. The application of modern materials is undertaken in a sympathetic manner ensuring the original vessel structure, design and functionality.

Programme content

  • Induction; Health and 
Safety, Joinery
  • Boatbuilding and maintenance
  • Conserving Historic Vessels
  • Engineering
  • Project management
  • Behaviours and Attitudes

Employers, do you want an Apprentice?

Contact us and we can help with an advert on the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website. We can help to circulate this to local schools and colleges too.

If you have an existing member of the team who is interested in the opportunity, contact us and we can have a discussion about existing levels of experience and whether they are eligible.

Contact

Apprentices, are you Looking for an Apprenticeship?

Contact your local boatyard, arrange a visit and have a conversation about a role with them.

We can also speak to them about the apprenticeship and provide information on how the programme and funding works.  Please feel free to contact Pioneer for details of what is covered on the apprenticeship and you can arrange a visit to see what we can do.

Keep an eye on the Find an Apprenticeship website and apply there for any vacancies.

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A list of companies we have, or currently work with, including boatyards our visiting apprentices work at.

Companies we have worked with

Companies we have worked with

  • Tooley’s Boatyard, Banbury
  • Heritage Marine Foundation, Maldon
  • TrAC, Norwich
  • Wherry Yacht Charter Company, Norfolk
  • Frank Halls and Sons, Walton
  • Hipkin and Oxley, Walton
  • Clare Lallows, Isle of Wight
  • Elephant Boatyard, Southampton
  • Cox’s Boatyard, Barton Turf, Norwich
  • Blackwater Marina, Mayland, Maldon
  • Royal Navy Museums, Portsmouth – HMS Victory
  • Demon Yachts, Aldeburgh
  • Woodbridge and Waldringfield Boatyards, Woodbridge
  • White Formula, Brightlingsea
  • Tollesbury Marina, Tollesbury, Maldon
  • Dennetts Boatbuilders, Chertsey
  • Crafted Boats, Bromsgrove
  • Warrior DLS, Hayling Island
  • MSO Marine, Brentford
  • Plus many more!

Beginner Woodworking Experience Days

Discover Traditional Craft at Harker’s Yard

Step into our workshop, pick up the tools, and discover the satisfaction of traditional woodworking.

The Pioneer Sailing Trust is opening its doors at Harker’s Yard, Brightlingsea, to anyone curious about working with wood. For the first time, we’re offering standalone experience days where you can gain an insight into a range of activities including the basic woodworking skills we use every day to restore our historic sailing vessels.

  • Hands-on learning – Guided by our experienced shipwrights, you’ll pick up essential woodworking skills in a real working boatyard.
  • All tools and materials provided – Just bring yourself; we’ll supply everything you need.
  • Beginner-friendly – Perfect if you’ve never held a saw before or want to build confidence with woodworking basics.
  • Practical outcomes – Gain skills you can use at home, whether for DIY projects or maintaining your own boat.
  • Unique setting – Learn in the heart of a traditional boatyard, surrounded by the craft and heritage of wooden boat restoration. A fish & chip lunch is included in the price! Coffee and Tea will be available as well.

  • Venue: Harker’s Yard, Brightlingsea, Essex
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Level: Absolute beginners welcome (no prior experience required)
  • Project: You’ll complete small, practical projects to take home (and gain confidence to try more).
  • Group size: Small and personal! (Max 8 people – Spaces are limited!)


Who it’s for

  • Complete beginners who’ve always wanted to try woodworking
  • Boat owners keen to pick up skills for DIY maintenance
  • Anyone looking for a creative, hands-on experience in a unique heritage setting

Resources

GATSBY BENCHMARKS SAFEGUARDING & PREVENT

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The Pioneer Sailing Trust

The Pioneer Sailing Trust was set up in 1999 to restore back to sailing condition the last remaining first class Essex Skillinger smack Pioneer. She was another example of Britain's Maritime Heritage left to perish.

History Contact Archive

Pioneer Sailing Trust,
Harker's Yard,
Shipyard Estate,
Brightlingsea,
CO7 0AR

Tel: 01206 303373

admin@pioneersailingtrust.org.uk

© Pioneer Sailing Trust 2026. Registered charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales. Charity No. 1077522.

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