A Marine Electrician Apprentice has been shortlisted in the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ category of the 2026 Maritime Solent Awards.
Daniel Hodges, 22, has just completed his four-year Level 3 Marine Electrician apprenticeship, commuting from London to Southampton each week in order to complete his college programme. Despite this additional commitment, he secured Distinction grades across all areas of his college programme, while delivering an outstanding quality of work for his employer, The Electric Boat Company.
To mark the occasion, all finalists were invited to a special Finalists’ Reception at Carnival House in Southampton where they had the opportunity to celebrate with their colleagues, training providers and employers.
Martin Porter, Professional Marine Trainer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Dan’s shortlisting for Apprentice of the Year at the Maritime Solent Awards is a fitting recognition of his commitment, achievement and exceptional potential as a Marine Electrical Engineer. We are immensely proud of everything he has accomplished throughout his apprenticeship, both in the workplace and in his academic studies, where he achieved Distinctions across all areas of his college programme. His dedication is further demonstrated by his commitment to travelling from London each week to attend college, consistently balancing the demands of work and study to an exceptionally high standard.
“The nomination also highlights the dedication of The Electric Boat Company and Dan’s line manager, Sam, whose steadfast support and commitment to his development have been instrumental in his success. Together, they have created an environment in which Dan has been able to thrive, develop his skills and realise his considerable potential.”
Stuart Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Solent, said: “The Maritime Solent Awards Finalists’ Reception at Carnival House in Southampton was a fantastic celebration of the strength, diversity and ambition of our regional maritime sector. With more applications than ever before, and from a broader range of organisations, the shortlist truly reflects the innovation and excellence happening across the Solent.”
Marine Electrician Apprenticeships train apprentices for a crucial role in a fast-evolving industry, teaching them to install, maintain, monitor, diagnose and repair a wide range of marine electrical and electronic systems. This involves work on boats in a workshop environment, on boats moored on hard standing near water, or in the water.
The Maritime Solent Awards celebrate the region’s outstanding maritime sector and the people who drive it to be a world-leading regional industry. The ceremony will be held on 22 October at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl. The past two years have broken records for the number of nominations received.
For more information on the Maritime Solent Awards please visit the link here.
