Maybe it’s due to the success of the BBC One programme where Sir Alan Sugar sets weekly targets to a group of potential apprentices to help fi nd his ultimate choice. But whatever the reason we are pleased to see a come-back in apprenticeships in Marine Engineering, even more interesting in the PWC industry.

Jacob Peters, aged 16, recently got a great opportunity to become an apprentice when he started working for the south’s independent jet ski repair engineer (www.jetski-repairman.co.uk) last September.

How good does that sound? What 16 year old wouldn’t want to learn an exciting trade with the occasional on-water test thrown in?

He goes to college at Paragon Skills (0800 7832545) one day a week, gets paid proper apprenticeship wages and will come out with an NVQ3, if all goes well.

He is learning to strip and rebuild 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, with clearances, tolerances, torques and squish. He is learning to rebuild carb’s, jet-pumps and listen for faults.

The course also covers repairs to fi breglass, servicing and winterising skis. The latest thing on the agenda is a 4tec turbo conversion on a Seadoo GTX, with all the challenges that come with it, like adding a Rising Rate Fuel Pressure Regulator (RRFPR) and upgrading the pistons. There is a lot to learn but there’s never a dull moment.

Jacob is working with Marcel Diner,

Jet Ski Engineer 07946 703079