A west Dorset based student is celebrating after being the first recipient of a brand-new award.

Vera Vogelsanger, who completed a 40-week boat building course at Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, was crowned Boat Building Academy Student of the Year at Southampton International Boat Show.

This is the first year of the awards, which were introduced with British Marine to acknowledge the excellence of the 40-week training course, and winning the award helped Vera secure her role as a boat builder at Spirit Yachts.

During the training course, the boat building academy assess the students on hand and tool skills, conceptual skills and approach to work.

Blue Davies, head of training at British Marine, said: “We are delighted to honour Vera as the Boat Building Academy Student of the Year and celebrate her career development.

“Although there is still work to do across the industry in supporting women in particular into marine jobs, we’re working with the Department for Transport, Maritime UK and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers on a new ‘People Like Me’ project for the marine industry to showcase women in the sector and breakdown stereotypes in the industry.

“There is further to go, but we are making progress.”

The award was presented to Vera by Chris Gates, a former apprentice who rose through the ranks to become managing director at Princess Yachts, a position he held until June this year.

He said: “I never thought my initial apprenticeship, which I started in 1977, would open the doors to the career I have had - this sector is a fantastic one to work in and there are so many paths to choose from.

“I wish Vera the very best for the future.”

Talking about her experience and the skills she developed during her boat building course, Vera said: “With a pencil in my pocket, a tool in my hand, I am keen to learn and to find solutions. That’s why I came to the boat building academy, from Switzerland to England.

“After finishing the course, I am looking forward to working for Spirit Yachts to learn every day.”

To find out more about Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy, visit boatbuildingacademy.com