5th November 2018

The South Devon Marine Academy (SDMA) team have been in joyous mood recently after securing nomination for ‘Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme’ at the Metstrade ‘Boat Builder Awards 2018’.

In partnership with the Korea Marine Education Academy (EDU), SDMA’s nomination is for the establishment of the South Korea boat technician vocational training scheme; addressing the lack of recognised vocational training and non-existent industry standards amongst South Korean leisure boat repairs and maintenance.

A result of South Korean costal water restrictions being lifted in 2008, consumers with a passion for sea fishing and leisure boating rapidly increased the demand for leisure boats in South Korea. Approached by Korean Government representatives in 2017, the SDMA team based at NOSS on Dart, Kingswear was challenged to tackle the issue of over 35,000 leisure boats left in poor conditions and in need of substantial repair.

Despite language obstacles, cultural differences and other challenges, one-year technical courses across various skill levels have been successfully established. Of the 157 technicians trained at EDU, 65% have successfully gained employment with future enrolment numbers expected to reach in excess of 600 student by 2020.

Head of Automotive and South Devon Marine Academy Adrian Bevin said, “We are thankful for the initial approach from the Korean Government in creating a fantastic opportunity. The dedicated teams from both the SDMA and EDU have helped establish a vital scheme for boat repairs, helping to address the gap in required marine industry standards in Korea”.

The Boat Builder Awards are part of The Metstrade Show – the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems. Initiated in order to recognise both individual and team successes within boat building companies worldwide. Sponsored by Marine Resources, the award for Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme aims to highlight the excellent work carried out by boat builders in developing much needed skills for new and existing employees.

This year’s winners announced on Tuesday 13^th November at the ‘Metstrade 2018 Awards Gala Dinner’, at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, we wish the team at SDMA the very best of luck.

Securing award nomination is the latest story in what’s an exciting time for South Devon College with the work already underway on the new £17 million Hi-Tech and Digital Centre, and further plans for development of the South Devon Marine Academy, Noss on Dart as part of Premier Marinas £75 million future expansion project.

To find out more about wide variety of courses the College offers from apprenticeships to full-time courses or university degrees, visit our next Open Evening on Wednesday 21^st November, 4pm-7pm at the Vantage Point Campus, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ. Alternatively, you can call our Helpzone team on 08000 380 123 or email [email protected]

For more information about this story please contact Guy Marsden, Marketing & Communications Officer at [email protected] or on 01803 540563.