The fact-finding event took place on 18th January 2012, and was organised by Employment Consultant Jo Lucas. The event begun with a talk about the company, details of employment opportunities and recruitment procedures, followed by a tour around the Newport yard, talking with employees and looking over the luxury yachts. Unfortunately, due to many of the vessels being away at the London Boat Show, the visitors did not manage to board a completed vessel, but were able to see them in various stages of production.
Ben Brill, the Recruitment Officer for Princess Yachts, hosted the visit and the team was also joined by three of his managers, Rob, Nigel and John who were “very helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable”. The group was divided into 3 groups of 6 to allow plenty of opportunity to ask questions whilst on the tour.
Princess Yachts was originally founded in 1965 as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd. In 2010 the company celebrated 45 years in production and has become one of the most respected names in the Industry. They presently employ around 2,000 staff, around 1,700 of which are directly involved in the boat production and build. With 5 sites within a 10 mile radius of Plymouth, including South Yard of the Devonport Naval Base, they have a turnover of approximately £200 million.
One of their boats appeared in the 1999 Bond film, ‘The World is Not Enough’, and for those who would like to own one of their vessels, prices start at around £300,000 rising to over £12 million pounds for the top of the range! Staff do however receive a 10% discount!
The first of Princess Yachts’ 32 metre yachts has spent the past season cruising in the Mediterranean, with several others in the build process. The first 40 metre vessel is nearing completion and has three decks and a multitude of systems. The “Superyacht” sector offers tremendous potential for the future Service leaver and their strap line, “One Company, One Team”, will sit well with the team ethos that Service leavers hold dear.
Ben accepted CV’s from those in attendance for current and future vacancies which include Fit-Out Engineers, Carpenters, Laminators, GRP Repairers, Machinists, Welder/Fabricators, Sprayers, Labourers and Charge Hands. Trade tests and interviews will be arranged in due course.
Service leavers in attendance found the visit very informative; one attendee said that it was “very useful to visit and talk freely with someone who could be a potential employer with no pressure”, whilst another said the event provided “a useful insight into the company and Civvy street in general.” Others said that the visit was “generally eye opening, regarding the complexity of the vessels” and “a very worthwhile visit – my first exposure to a potential employer in 22 years!”
The popularity of this event means that names have already been taken for a future visit planned for April. Be sure to check the CTP events calendar for similar events, and keep an eye out for posters in your RRC.