Fareham apprentice's role in protecting HMS Victory

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.’