MAX Jones has gained a lot from his work experience onboard Tall Ship Pelican.

In 2013, Jones, pictured, enrolled on the Level Two Bench Joinery Diploma at Weymouth College.

“Starting college was kind of a big deal for me,” said the 18-year-old from Weymouth.

“I wasn’t very confident with meeting new people and felt pretty nervous.

“Part of the course includes work experience and I was keen to do something which would help build on the skills I was learning through the course.

“I applied for work experience on Pelican last April and with the crew, joined the ship in Sharpness.

“Onboard I helped with maintenance work for just under a week.

“I really enjoyed my time and I was pleased to be asked back in October the same year.

“This time, I joined the ship in Weymouth for one day a week, as part of my course.”

Jones added: “The crew are so friendly, “I’m learning all the time and on top of that I am so much more confident around new people.

“It has helped me no end. I only needed to complete 60 hours onboard the ship but I have enjoyed it so much that my work experience there exceeds 120 hours.

“After my course finishes, I will either continue at college or I’ll be looking to apply the skills I have developed in a paid role.

“In the holidays I may do a voyage on TS Pelican.”

The charity Adventure Under Sail operates Pelican and they help young people to become more employable, through sailing adventures and work experience.

To find out more about Adventure Under Sail, or view the TS Pelican’s programme for 2014, call 858274 or visit adventureundersail.com