Fareham apprentice's role in protecting HMS Victory
The HMS Victory renovation project has given one Fareham student the opportunity to fall in love with the ship – and a role in preserving it for future generations.
Lucy Kirkby, who is studying at Fareham College’s Cemast engineering campus as a BAE Systems apprentice, had never visited the famous warship before the project started.
She said: ‘I knew very little about HMS Victory before I worked at the site.
‘Once beginning my apprenticeship, they asked me to join the project – and its been absolutely fantastic.’
For contractors coming on site to help undertake vital work on the 250-year-old vessel, the 20-year-old apprentice has become the ‘face of the site’.
She said: ‘I am the onsite contractor liaison – I’m the face of the site.
‘The contractors talk to me if they have any issues – I try to keep the project running as smoothly as possible.
Lucy hopes her work will enable more young people to appreciate the history on their doorstep.
She added: ‘Now that we have a fantastic walkway, that will engage more young students.
‘Personally, the best aspect for me has been standing up under the hull and seeing the view.’