A “STAR apprentice” has turned a financial hardship into an enviable commute.
When he couldn’t afford the ferry to get from his home in Flushing to his work in Falmouth, Josh Redford came up with a novel idea – he paddles to work.
The 18-year-old is in the middle of an apprenticeship with watersports specialist ElementalUK at Swanpool Beach.
As part of the course he will gain nationally accredited qualifications in areas including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, power boating, and first aid.
He said: “Before I took this apprenticeship I had only been to Cornwall once on holiday. This changed everything, it has been great.
“When I started I couldn’t afford the ferry every day from Flushing so I borrowed a kayak and I paddle to Prince of Wales Pier, or Greenbank if it’s rough, then put it on a trolley and walk it to Swanpool Beach.”
After his enviable commute across the estuary, the teenager has a mammoth walk as he drags his kayak through Falmouth town to and from the beach.
“It takes me about 15 minutes to cross then about half an hour walking.
“On the way home I stop at Tesco in Falmouth and take my dinner back on the kayak too.”
His efforts have led the teenager to being labelled an “inspiration” to others in the scheme.
Dany Duncan, ElementalUK founder, said: “Josh is our star apprentice. From an employer’s point of view his commute is such a fantastic commitment to the job.
“By running these apprenticeships we get people trained exactly how we want them to be trained. If you don’t invest in the staff you have got nothing for the future.”
The teenager, whose apprenticeship is due to finish in October, has just returned from a transatlantic voyage, helping to sail a luxury yacht from Antigua to Falmouth.
“I think it’s brilliant that he is doing that,” said Mr Duncan. “What an experience – he has added a Transatlantic crossing to his training, yet another string to his bow.”
The apprenticeship is delivered via Cornwall Marine Network and funded by Convergence programme.
This is ElementalUK’s second year of the scheme with 13 completing the first year and six, including Mr Redford, in the second tranche.
Mark Yeoman, head of ESF Convergence Communication, said: “Josh is an inspiration to us all.
“His determination and commitment to his apprenticeship and to the development of his skills are remarkable.
“Good luck Josh I am sure that with such an outlook you will go far in your chosen career.”
Read more: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Star-appren ... z34Z2IsgXM
Work, up the creek with a paddle
Work, up the creek with a paddle
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
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MajGenl.Meade
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Re: Work, up the creek with a paddle
Shorely shome mishtake? 
I had only went to Cornwall.....He said: “Before I took this apprenticeship I had only been to Cornwall once on holiday
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts