Onward, upward
Luxury sailing yacht builder Oyster Yachts has announced it is recruiting over one hundred people to join its workforce.
Photography by Oyster Yachts
23 July 2020
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With shipyards in Southampton, Wroxham and Ashmanhaugh, as well as offices in Palma and the US, this will expand the UK-based company’s headcount to over four hundred people internationally.
The skills required are predominately within production, with the company looking for experienced laminators, joiners, finishers, electricians and engineers. There will also be opportunities for a number of apprentices to join the company and benefit from time-honoured, experienced craftspeople within the business.
Oyster Yachts has a full order book for its hand-crafted bluewater sailboats that currently range from 56 to 120 feet, and the company is announcing a new sub-50-foot model later this year.
Deputy CEO Becky Bridgen has reported that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Oyster Yachts has a full order book with positive international interest for its bespoke sailing yachts.
“Our growth strategy is firmly on track, driving demand for additional expert craftspeople across our shipyards,” she said.
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Bridgen continued, “We are realising our vision to create jobs for skilled craftsmen and women in the UK marine industry. It’s a proud moment as we start the next phase of our journey.”
The company started a recruitment drive in November 2019, at that time advertising for 150 new staff.
Mujgan Trowbridge, Head of Group HR for Oyster Yachts said, “Despite COVID-19, we managed to hire sixty-four people, most of whom were required at our composite technology centre at Ashmanhaugh.
“We are now actively seeking a further hundred staff, sixty to join our Wroxham facility before Christmas 2020, and forty in Southampton by March 2021.”
Speaking about the expanding workforce, Oyster CEO and owner Richard Hadida commented: “After two years at the helm, this is a hugely exciting time for Oyster. I’m passionate about Oyster and the skills required to build our beautiful yachts.
“I will be delighted to welcome more of the very best master craftspeople to the team. In addition, we are continuing to invest in Oyster apprenticeships to grow and safeguard great British boatbuilding skills for the future.”
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