A&P Falmouth has said it is "with great pride" it can announce that Ryan Gay, a marine fitter and former apprentice, has been awarded the Shipwright’s Bronze Medal.

This has been presented by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights after he came second in The King’s Silver Medal Competition 2023.

The King’s Silver Medal Competition was established in 1944 by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights. Since the year 2000, over 400 apprentices have entered the competition, which culminates in a weeklong residential challenge for final year apprentices, the focus of which is personal development.

Having been successful in the week challenge, Ryan was one of six finalists, who were subsequently invited to attend a panel interview, during which four prize winners were identified.

Ryan has now received an invitation to attend a lunch and presentation of his medal at Ironmonger’s Hall in London on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Mike Spicer, managing director at A&P Falmouth, said that the prestigious award was well deserved recognition of Ryan's diligence to his trade and the quality of this workmanship.

Mike said: “Ryan has recently completed his four-year apprenticeship as a marine fitter and is an exceptional member of the A&P Falmouth team.

"Throughout his apprenticeship, Ryan has developed his skills on a wide range of vessels, from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Navy fleet to vessels in the commercial sector.

“The Kings Silver Medal Competition focuses on a range of skills including technical presentation, leadership skills, teamwork skills, problem solving skills, a willingness to learn, personal development and good citizenship.

“Throughout his apprenticeship, Ryan has accumulated a wealth of technical accomplishments, which are underpinned by his unwavering commitment and willingness to participate in wider company-related activities such as career fairs, marketing and representing the company at key stakeholder meetings, such as a lunch with the Secretary of State for Defence.”

“I look forward to following Ryan as he progresses in his career in the years to come.”

 

Top of his game: award-winning Falmouth marine fitter Ryan Gay

Top of his game: award-winning Falmouth marine fitter Ryan Gay

 

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, said: “I am immensely proud of Ryan and his fantastic achievement.

“Ryan recently accompanied me to the HMS Victory Dinner on board the ship, which was hosted by DE&S Director General Ships, Vice Admiral Paul Marshall CB CBE. The event aims to bring together the best and brightest within our industry and I saw at first hand the skills Ryan has developed since joining A&P.

“I would like to congratulate Ryan on winning the Shipwright’s Bronze Medal in The King’s Silver Medal Competition 2023.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate and acknowledge A&P Falmouth and the wider APCL team, who continue to deliver exceptional training across the UK, which provides such a bedrock for so many young people who join the APCL Group of companies as apprentices.”