Aqueduct Marina, the family-run independent marina near Nantwich, has welcomed three new trainees to its team this autumn. The new trainees will be trained by Aqueduct’s current supervisors, Jordan Cain (Engineering) & Will Brown (Welding), who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in engineering, welding and business management as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent and supporting long-term growth.

Engineering apprentice Dylan Evans comes from a caravan and motorhome repairs background, one that sees a considerable crossover with the work being undertaken at the marina, and with the expansion of Aqueduct Leisure’s facilities and services, his background may well prove useful.

Engineering apprentice Jack Morse comes from the cement fixtures industry, one in which there is little room for error, something that will be of particular importance to boat owners, who will benefit from his existing experience, coupled with the skills he will learn from his colleagues at Aqueduct.

Fabrication apprentice Lucas Sherratt has joined the team from a company where he built furniture for playgrounds. His eye for detail will come in useful as he learns the skills needed in all aspects of the fabrication and repairing of narrowboats.

In addition to the new recruits Phill Koutson, one of Aqueduct’s marina engineers, has recently completed and passed his BMET course.

Ethan Ganderton is currently completing his T-level land-based engineering and welding at Reaseheath College and works at the marina one day per week alongside his studies, and Joseph Parton, son of Aqueduct’s owners Robert and Andrea Parton, is currently working on his degree apprenticeship in Business Management whilst working as a Service Advisor at the marina.

The new appointments form part of Aqueduct’s strategy to strengthen its workforce and meet increasing demand for high-quality boat building, repairs and servicing and in the future, providing similar services for Motorhomes and caravans. The company plans to continue working closely with local education providers to promote careers in engineering and business.

Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina, said, “The Aqueduct boat yard has a range of skills and there are plenty of young people out there keen to learn the wide range of skills we need in the business. Proven by the large number of quality applicants we had for the new trainee positions.”