Two of our Sunseeker Boatbuilding Level 3 apprentices, Max Drummond and Jade Vorley, have made it through to the final round of the Queen's Silver Medal.
Every year the Shipwrights’ Company calls for well motivated apprentices from yards across the United Kingdom to apply for the Queen's Silver Medal Competition. Eighteen applicants are selected to attend the week long Phipps Leadership and Development Programme at Hawkhirst Scout Centre.
The course, which is delivered by specialist tutors, is designed to be challenging but also to provide every participant with significant opportunities to learn and develop: self-assessment and peer review play a vital role in the process and participants receive individual guidance from the tutors and a personal report. It's open to all final year apprentices from all trade backgrounds and disciplines.
Bournemouth & Poole College currently operate 3 apprenticeships working with Sunseeker which cover a range of interests within the industry. We spoke to Max recently about his participation in the Queen's Silver Medal.
What made you decide to get involved?
When I first began my apprenticeship, our tutor Dan had spoken to us about a challenging week away that would focus on both leadership and teamworking skills. Growing up, I’ve always been involved in sports, so I thought this opportunity would be something I would love to do.
What happened next?
I signed up for it, and was accepted after a lengthy application - I was very happy to find out I was accepted. I had spoken to one of the guys from last year, and asked him about his experience. I was excited more than anything and the different challenges it entailed.
I’ve made it through to the final six, I’ll be going up to London on the 28th of November, and I’ll have an interview with 5 of the team. It’ll be a general chat about my course and my progression.
Do you have any words for future entrants?
It’s tough to prepare for it. It can be both physically and mentally challenging bur incredibly worth it. It’s a mix of theory and phsycial, it’s a well balanced course. You can’t expect what will happen - I don’t want to give away too much!
If you'd like to follow in Max's footsteps, you can find all the information you need to apply for the medal here.
