UK Docks celebrates young talent in National Apprenticeship Week

THE chance to throw the spotlight on young apprentices during National Apprenticeshp Week was welcomed by UK Docks, which has invested in young marine workers the length and breadth of the country.

In Gosport, we have marine engineer apprentices Finlay Smith (left), currently in Year 2 of his apprenticeship and Charlie Shepherd in Year 1.

At our headquarters in South Shields, Michael Wright, in his fourth year as a maintenance technician, works alongside first-year maintenance technician Sonny Walton (wearing glasses).

Fellow apprentices Ewan Wilson, a third-year maintenance technician and Lewis Illingworth, second-year maintenance technician, are usually based in South Shields but both have been working in the dockyards at UK Docks’ Teesside facility to gain hands-on experience of shipes handled there.

Ewan is pictured here in the dockyard, Lewis in the workshop.

In addition, Nick Elliott is a mature apprentice, Level 7, and Chief Financial Officer, John Armstrong, is looking to bring a trainee into finance.

In this way, a steady stream of apprentices (in an industry which can struggle from skill shortages), are regularly been trained up and moved through the business.

This consistent approach has underpinned UK Docks’ steady growth for many years and is an important part of its planning strategy.

UK Docks’ managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “As a family-owned business, apprenticeships is something we genuinely care about.

“The marine industry depends on skilled, practical people — not just today, but for generations to come. “Apprenticeships are one of the most important ways we protect that future.

“They bring fresh thinking, new energy, and a real hunger to learn, while allowing hard-won experience to be passed on properly, on the job.

“At UK Docks, apprentices are part of who we are.

“We invest in people from the very start of their careers and give them the chance to grow, progress, and build long-term futures within the marine sector - many of our most experienced team members started exactly that way.

“Supporting apprentices means supporting the strength, resilience, and sustainability of the UK marine industry as a whole. During National Apprenticeship Week - but also during every week - we’re proud to play our part.”

At Gosport, UK Docks South has Finlay and Charlie doing their apprenticeships through Southampton City College, with another apprentice due to join them in September.

Both are gaining great experience in the workplace and have been rotating their work to gain experience on all the different type of vessels the compnay maintains.

UK Docks South also takes Apprentices from the local college, CEMAST, (Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training).

The company takes marine engineers who are looking to do 50 hours work experience as part of their course.

Currently, there are 10 of these apprentices coming through; to gain the knowledge they need and enable them to complete their course.

Finlay Smith. assisting with a service on a C18 Caterpillar Main Engine on HMS Dasher

Charlie Barley, director at UK Docks South said: “We find this rewarding in that we are helping these young apprentices in our local area gain their qualification.”

He added: “UK Docks South employs around 40 employees and, in turn, employs many marine trades and local sub-contractors, thereby locally supporting dozens of businesses in the local area.

“We are based in Gosport, and opposite the main Naval Port (Portsmouth) where the local area also has thousands of leisure and commercial boats served by its many marinas.

“We understand that in a marine industry area which employs thousands of people and which has a skills shortage in all trades - whether it be marine engineers, marine electricians, shipwrights, carpenters, fabricators, laminators etc - new workers are vital.

“That’s one of the reasons why the company has made a steady stream of apprentices a priority for many years.”

Charlie Shepherd changing a lagging pad on the exhaust of a P2000 (HMS Dasher). The vessel visited UK Docks to undertake her annual Refit Package

UK Docks' Teesside team praised by HMS Protector's Captain Weaver

WARM words were left ringing in the ears of UK Docks workers on Teesside when HMS Protector departed last month after a lengthy stay.

The Royal Navy’s specialist icebreaker entered dry dock in May last year for extensive works, including upgrades during its five-year refit, leaving dry dock in August to moor alongside for final works ahead of its December departure.

Steady as she goes.. HMS Protector leaves UK Docks Marine Services Teesside and prepares to return to sea.

And as she set sail, the ship’s commanding officer, Captain Tom Weaver, AFNI OBE RN, praised the quality of the work and the level of collaboration between UK Docks and the crew, which ensured the vessel returned to sea in the best possible condition.

Captain Weaver said:  “As we sail from the Tees, following our five-yearly docking and maintenance period, I would like to thank UK Docks Marine Services for their hard work and support in working alongside the ship's company to return HMS Protector to sea. 

“We've achieved a great deal in the last few months and are now ready to commence trials and training ahead of recommencing operations as the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship.”

HMS Protector has been a regular visitor to UK Docks’ Teesside facility in recent years, following the company's 2019 contract to service the vessel.

But the most recent stay has been a long one as the five-year refit with upgrades marked a major boost to the ice patrol ship, which was launched in Norway in 2001.

After leaving Teesside, HMS Protector returned to her home port of Devonport on the south coast for trials ahead of deployment.

As the Royal Navy’s only icebreaker, HMS Protector is also one of the most active vessels in the fleet, spending, on average, 330 days a year patrolling the waters of Antarctica and the southern hemisphere.

The 292ft long, 5,000-ton vessel, which has its own helicopter pad, is primarily used to support scientific and survey research but has also provided fishery patrols and humanitarian and community assistance.

UK Docks managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to welcome HMS Protector to Teesside and the team were pleased to be involved in such a thorough overhaul of the vessel.

“The work will ensure HMS Protector is in prime condition to continue her important work for the Royal Navy in frequently challenging environmental conditions.”

UK Docks supports Veterans in Crisis at Christmas

UK DOCKS’ staff have delivered a van full of help to the North East’s Veterans In Crisis, Sunderland (VICS), for Christmas.

Operations manager, Nick Elliott, general manager, Kevin Hodgson, contracts manager, Shawn Doering and office manager, Emma Bryson, dropped off box after box of food and essential items at the VICS base in Roker Avenue rom the company’s annual Christmas collection.

And Veterans director, Ger Fowler, who helped a UK Docks’ team unload the gifts, issued a reminder that there’s still scope for further donations from the public, organisations, and companies during the festive season.

Veterans in Crisis' Ger Fowler, (left), with UK Docks' Emma Bryson, Nick Elliott and Kevin Hodgson at the donation drop-off.

Ger said: “We’re very grateful to UK Docks for all their help and support.

“They’ve supported us for several years now, and their donations always go a long way and make a difference.

“This is one of the toughest times of year for ex-service personnel who are struggling, and any help we can receive is always welcome and appreciated.

“So I would remind people in the North East that we’re still open for any donations they can make in these last few days before Christmas and across the festive season and into the New Year.”

This is the third year in a row that UK Docks has made Veterans in Crisis its charity of choice.

The UK Docks’ Christmas tree with an increasing number of donations ready to hand over.

UK Docks services a number of Ministry of Defence contracts and has a long history of employing ex-service personnel.

Earlier this year, UK Docks received a Gold Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), which recognises the highest standards of support for former military personnel. 

Managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “UK Docks has built much of its success over the past 30 years on the contributions of former members of the armed forces, and we appreciate the qualities and skills they bring to our company.”

“Veterans in Crisis is a cause close to the heart of many people at the company who have taken the skills they learned in the forces and put them to good use after returning to civilian life.

“Others have not been so fortunate and need a helping hand, which is what Veterans In Crisis has done so well in recent years.

“Every day, they act as an emergency service for people who have given so much for their country and now need help in return.”

Veterans in Crisis director Ger Fowler, (second left), with UK Docks general manager, Kevin Hodgson, operations manager, Nick Elliott and office manager Emma Bryson.

Former serviceman Ger Fowler, who founded the community interest company in 2017 and won the Freedom of the City of Sunderland for his efforts, said: “It was great to see the boxes from UK Docks filling up our offices - though it was also a reminder of why we are looking to expand our premises in Roker Avenue in 2026!”

“A community interest company like Veterans In Crisis is very reliant on donations of support and the generosity of others.

“It all gets used to help others, and it can make such a difference, I think, especially at this time.

“Contributions from local companies help to make that possible, and at Veterans, we always look to use local companies so that money goes back into the community.”

Anyone who would like to support Veterans In Crisis or needs help should contact general manager Claire Lawton by dropping into the centre at 1 Roker Avenue in Sunderland or by calling (0191) 567 1878. 

Veterans’ services can also be reached on 07398 916 590.

UK Docks formally presented with Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award

UK Docks Marine Services has been formally presented with a Gold Award under the Armed Forces’ Employer Recognition scheme (ERS), which recognises the highest standards of support for former military personnel.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lucy Winskell OBE, presented the award to UK Docks directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson at a ceremony in York.

UK Docks directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson with the Gold Award presented by Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lucy Winskell.

Other awards at the presentation, held on the King's birthday and featuring a royal salute, were made by the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner.
The award now sits in the UK Docks boardroom along with the Silver and Bronze awards previously earned.
Jonathan said: "This is an incredible honour for our entire organisation.

"The recognition belongs to the veterans, reservists, service families, and cadet-force volunteers who inspire us every day with their professionalism, resilience, and dedication.
"We are proud to support their careers, their well-being, and the unique strengths they bring to our team.
"This award motivates us to go even further."

The Gold Award marks a significant milestone in the UK’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

We are Gold! UK Docks’ directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson join other North East organisations at the prestigious presentation.

The highest accolade indicates the ultimate recognition for employers who show exceptional support to the Armed Forces, including veterans, reservists, and their families. For UK Docks, this achievement is not just a badge of honour but a sincere acknowledgement of its core values and lasting dedication to those who serve or have served our nation.

The Royal salute marking the King’s Birthday at the Gold Award presentation in York.

UK Docks signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018, pledging to uphold the principles of fair treatment and support for the Armed Forces community. 

The company achieved its Bronze award in 2022, followed by Silver in 2024. 

Achieving Gold just one year later is a testament to the company’s accelerated efforts and meaningful progress.

The company continues to proudly support the Ministry of Defence through major contracts, including the global maintenance of the Royal Navy’s Batch 2 River-class vessels—HMS Tamar, Trent, Medway, Spey, and Forth—as well as the polar icebreaker HMS Protector.

The Gold Award is a significant moment in UK Docks’ journey—recognising not only the company’s efforts, but also reinforcing its leadership as a champion for the Armed Forces and a trusted strategic partner within the UK’s maritime and defence sector.

A proud moment! Directors Jonathan and Gary Wilson accept the Armed Forces Gold Award on behalf of UK Docks.

A spokesperson for the military’s Defence Relationship Management team, which announced the latest Gold awards, said: “Thank you for your outstanding commitment and for going above and beyond in your support of those who serve, and their families.

“202 employers have received Gold this year — the highest number yet. It’s fantastic to see so many organisations leading the way in supporting the Armed Forces community, from Reservists and veterans to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.”

Shields ferry relaunch sparks tribute all the way from America

A TIME-LAPSE video of a Shields Ferry relaunch has made ripples across the Atlantic and led to a personalised gift from America to a UK Docks manager!

The video, shared on social media, showed a sped-up relaunch of the Pride of the Tyne into the river from UK Docks’ South Shields slipway in the wake of repairs and maintenance.

It highlighted the role of Yard Manager, Ian Paolozzi in the foreground, as he co-ordinated the relaunch of the vessel ensuring it went back into the water as smoothly and safely as possible.

The video, and Ian’s care and attention, struck a chord with a group of ferry enthusiasts almost 5,000 miles away in Seattle, who run a BlueSky social media account with more than 14,000 followers.

And not only did they highlight the launch on their social media platform, which covers the comings and goings of Washington State Ferrys, they also created an image to celebrate Ian’s work and sent it across to UK Docks Marine Services HQ in River Drive, South Shields.

William Polly, who runs the Seattle-based account, explained: “We are marine enthusiasts who were quite taken by the sole workman at the shore end of the slipway whose body language expresses the anguish, concern, pride and joy of anyone who has ever watched a vessel relaunch, no matter how routine.  The stop-action nature of the video catches him in a variety of poses that pretty much says it all about a diligent and concerned worker.

"The screen grab was a little blurry, so we created a sketch of him in our favourite illustrative style - that of a 1950s 'Ladybird Children's' book - which we send to him with our best wishes.

"This style is not about pictorial accuracy or realism, but more about a nostalgic tone and capturing the feeling of the moment."

“Please give our regards to your worker for his good efforts and buy him a pint for us!”

This week, Ian received a framed copy of the image, presented to him at the South Shields headquarters of UK Docks by Director, Gary Wilson.

Yard manager Ian Paolozzi, (right), receives a framed copy of the Pride of the Tyne ferry relaunch from UK Docks’ director Gary Wilson.

Ian said: “I was really touched by the poster they sent because they were recognising that a relaunch like that is always a tense time, no matter how often it’s done.

“The Pride of the Tyne ferry is over 200 tonnes and it’s the biggest vessel we can slip/unslip from the water, so lowering her safely back is something of an operation.

“At the same time, she’s been out of the water for some time and it’s the moment to check that everything is working as perfectly as it should before she sails off, so yes, it’s a time when everyone is working very hard and concentrating, and it’s great to get the thumbs up when it’s done.

“It just shows the power of the media that something like this can go around the world."

Director, Gary Wilson, said: “We were delighted to see Ian’s work recognised in this way and we will hang the framed image in our offices at South Shields as a reminder of a lovely gesture which we appreciated."

Professional pride in his work, Ian Paolozzi, depicted overseeing the relaunch of the Pride of the Tyne ferry.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, William added: “The short video is a classic study in human body language.  

“Ian projects every emotion in that short video that must go along with every ship relaunch down the rails and in the end projects the pride of his and his mates’ efforts in a successful relaunch.

“Shipbuilding/repair is a tough industry to be successful in today.  

“Here in Seattle, more marine industry disappears every year, so good luck to UK Docks and continued success on the Tyne, where I'm sure there’s a shipwright tradition stretching back many, many hundreds of years.”

Kevin Leonard, Customer Services Operations Manager at Nexus, said: “This is a really lovely tribute to the Shields Ferry and the many people who work so hard to keep the vessels running on the River Tyne.

“To get such glowing praise from fellow marine enthusiasts from as far afield as the west coast of America is absolutely fantastic.

“The framed image of our Ferry, Pride of the Tyne, on the UK Docks slipway is so detailed, and it brilliantly captures the boat on its way out of dry dock.”