Four young learners from Cumbria recently arrived in Liverpool after completing a tall ship voyage designed to boost skills, teamwork and personal growth.
The four are working towards careers in engineering through training at City & Guilds firm Gen2, and set off from Barrow on August 13 as part of the crew aboard the Pelican of London, which included a mix of young learners from the North of England.
The sail training ship is run by a youth development charity offering young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to gain skills and experience essential for future careers.
Jenson Varley, of Wigton, Harry Postlethwaite and Joe Armstrong, of Cockermouth, are working towards a Level 2 engineering qualification through Gen2’s voluntary Step IN2 programme, which equips young people with the skills and qualifications to access an apprenticeship.
They were joined by Bobby Forbes, of Silloth, who is undertaking a science industry maintenance technician apprenticeship.
The Pelican arrived at Liverpool on August 18 after a voyage which included lessons on marine conservation and sustainability in addition to sailing training.
Harry said: “The science lessons were really interesting and it was great working with volunteers from other backgrounds.
“I would never have had this opportunity elsewhere and would most definitely do it again.”
Harry Stevens, managing director at Gen2, said: “We are so glad that our learners had the opportunity to go on a unique adventure with the crew of the Pelican of London.
“We appreciate the support of City & Guilds to provide the funds to make this a reality for the four learners who participated.
“The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive and shows just how impactful experiences like this can be.
We look forward to providing similar opportunities for other young learners in the future to help them learn, develop, and grow.”
