The South Coast maritime town of Gosport got a skills boost today when a new centre dedicated to training for the marine industry was opened by local MP Caroline Dinenage today, Friday 1 July.

Sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman of the Gosport-based Clipper Ventures, said: ‘I am particularly interested in what the Gosport Marine Skills Centre is doing because I know, from experience, that good, well-trained boat builders and electricians are hard to find in the marine industry.’

In a joint venture between the Mabway Academy and St Vincent College, the centre will run its first course, in Marine Engineering, starting this September. School leavers will be able to join the Level 1 course to learn core skills towards their future careers in the industry, and students are being recruited now.

Photo by Samantha Ward: Colin Farmery (GMSC Project Manager) and Caroline Dinenage MP launch the Gosport Marine Skills Centre at Gosport Marina