Apprentices with the country’s largest housebuilder Barratt Developments will experience a development opportunity like no other on a residential voyage with Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) later this month.

Two teams of apprentices from Barratt Developments’ latest cohort will go head-to-head in The Barratt Challenger Race from Monday 20 to Friday 24 March, onboard two of TSYT’s iconic 72ft Challenger yachts.

The race from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth will conclude a five-day voyage, during which the apprentices will learn all aspects of sail training, as well as having the opportunity to learn and reflect on sustainability and the importance of protecting the environment. TSYT will also welcome the apprentices to its Portsmouth Hub for a leadership training session.

Since 2019, TSYT has partnered with Barratt to offer trainees and apprentices an innovative experience which focuses on developing the skills required for employment such as team building, resilience and leadership in a unique and challenging environment.

Kirsty French, TSYT’s Director of Youth Development and Outdoor Learning, said:

“These voyages in partnership with Barratt Developments have been tailored to support their apprentices on their journey to adulthood, and to build up their teamwork and resilience to prepare for a career in the housebuilding trade.

“Previous voyage experiences have shown that apprentices have grown in confidence and self-esteem after sailing with us at TSYT, while also seeing a significant improvement in their communication and leadership skills.

“We are looking forward to seeing the results of the Barratt Challenger Race and are delighted to be part of the journey of these young people to build their skills and realise their full potential.”

Following their voyage, Barratt Developments apprentices have regularly returned to TSYT as volunteers, showcasing their skills on vessel maintenance and playing a key role in preparing the boats to provide young people aged 12-25 with life-changing experiences at sea.

Some apprentices have also been recommended to return as volunteer Watch Leaders, having shown a desire to continue their sail training journey under TSYT’s three-voyage model of exploration, empowerment and leadership.

Apprentice Joel Wilson, who went on a voyage with TSYT last year, said:

“My time with Tall Ships Youth Trust was an awesome team building and leadership experience. I was only on the boat for five days, but I left with memories, life lessons and friends that will last a lifetime.”

Fellow Apprentice and voyager Abigail Stevens added:

“It’s an amazing course where you can learn skills that you have probably never come across before, but are good for everyday life.”

The Barratt Developments Trade Programme is a ground-breaking residential apprenticeship, intensively delivered over 18 months in close partnership with TSYT and Stephenson and York Colleges.

Barratt is ranked in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and is expecting more than 135 trade apprentices to graduate in 2023 from its ‘apprenticeship plus’ programme.

David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said:

“Our trade apprenticeship programme gives new recruits the best possible start, learning life-long practical skills.

“On top of this we run a Sea Leader course with Tall Ships Youth Trust for them to experience something new and stretch them. This builds their confidence and we see a big improvement in their leadership skills, helping them to become a successful apprentice.”​