Helping Young People
Boleh Project, working with sailing and training charities, is all about helping disadvantaged young people.
Boleh is being restored in the The Old Pump House workshops, Eastney, which were the home of the Meridian Sailing & Training Trust. The Trust no longer exists but was set up in 199O to maximise opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the Portsmouth area. These opportunities, provided in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire County Council, centred on training in sailing and boat building skills.
In recognition of the work being done for young people by the Boleh Project, Portsmouth City Council - owners of the Old Pump House site - have very helpfully allowed us to stay in the workshops. There are a number of ways the Boleh Project, working with sailing and training charities, is helping young people.
Apprentices
The Boleh Project is working with a National Training Provider, IT Paragon, to ensure that apprentices gain the hands on experience required for their NVQ.
The cost to train an apprentice is approximately £15,000.00 per annum. It takes three years to qualify as a Boat Builder. To help with these costs the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Fund has made a generous grant from their Grass Roots Fund towards setting up and running our apprentice facility.
Industrial Heritage Training Bursaries
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hampshire County Council have designated the Boleh Project a Host Centre for Industrial, Maritime, Aviation, Transport and Technology (IMATT) training. This recognises the quality of the training and supervision offered by the Project and the high level of craftsmanship involved. Hampshire County Council are generously complementing this decision with the award of Apprentice Training Bursaries.
Work Experience
Trident work experience is a two week work placement scheme for year 9 students. Over the two weeks they are taught the basics of boat building.
Young Offenders & Schools Leavers
Charities work with referrals from Social Services and other organisations to provide opportunities to train young people. By gaining qualifications they are able to seek full time employment in the normal workplace.
Learning to Sail
Once the restoration of Boleh is complete she will be used to train up to 6 youngsters at a time, serving as a floating classroom. Boleh will provide many young people with the chance to learn about sailing, team spirit, discipline and adventure on the high seas.
