One Team, Many Talents

MAST Training Advisor Robert Howatson with Sam Van Helsdingen (left) and Zahn Boyd (right)

At Haines Hunter Boats, talent development is a company-wide commitment. From apprentices building foundational skills to experienced professionals stepping into leadership roles, the team shares a sense of pride and the support of a company that backs their development every step of the way.

Apprentices Zahn Boyd, Noah Lee and Sam Van Helsdingen are building skills across the marine trades and shaping their careers, while seasoned team members like Production Manager Chris Kettle-Williams and resin infusion specialist Hamandeep Singh are advancing into leadership through leadership programmes.

Here are their stories.

Zahn Boyd

Zahn’s journey began with a love of woodworking and old V8 engines - restoring furniture with his dad and rebuilding a ‘73 classic. After starting out as a cabinetmaker, Zahn switched paths thanks to a mate’s tip-off, and he soon found himself diving into the intricate world of marine interiors at Haines Hunter.

Zahn started out in finishing before moving into the machine shop, where he really got into the concept side of the work. Now, in the marine interiors workshop, he’s owning the space - trusted with full projects and thriving on the challenge. “I really enjoy the problem-solving side - figuring out how to make things work when it looks too tricky.”

Zahn’s already had a hand in challenging projects like the amphibious Overlander and the enclosed Euro cabin build, designing clever cabinetry for battery systems.

Alongside his apprenticeship Zahn is also studying computer-aided design, aiming to master CNC milling – a skill that allows him to create complex shapes – and eventually design full boat interiors from scratch.

Noah Lee

Noah Lee completed MAST’s Launch it – School to Work programme in 2024 while at Westlake Boys, gaining valuable insights and inspiration during his work experience. Wasting no time, he reached out to the team at MAST to express for an apprenticeship. After a short trial at Haines Hunter, it was clear he was a perfect fit.

An enthusiastic sportfisherman with a natural passion for engines, Noah knew early on that marine systems was the path for him. Now, he’s diving into all aspects of the trade - from engine servicing to diagnostics. “I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but the support’s great - it feels like I’ve landed in the right spot,” says Noah.

With his MAST Academy apprenticeship in outboard service and repair well underway, Noah is developing his skills in the trade. “There’s so much to learn,” he says, “but that’s the best part, it’s all hands-on. I like working with my hands and seeing things run again. That sense of getting it right is what keeps me going forward.”

Sam Van Helsdingen

Sam’s path to Haines Hunter came through his love of sailing and fascination with how boats are built. A competitive sailor, he wanted to understand boats from the inside out - not just how to sail them, but how they’re constructed.

While working toward his composite qualification, Sam is also gaining a full understanding of the business from production to front-of-house sales. “It’s been great in sales because I actually know how the boats go together,” he says. “When customers have questions, I can explain things from experience - I’ve also been in the workshop building them.”

Sam thrives in a team environment where everyone is ready to jump in and get things done. “If someone’s away or deadlines are tight and we need to get a boat out the door, we all step up. That’s just how it works,” he says.

As a true all-rounder – whether he’s on the production floor, helping out in customer service, or working on his own boat – Sam’s skills are growing fast. He’s moved between departments and tackled a bit of everything, but he’s quick to add, “I still like to get dusty now and then.”

“I wasn’t sure wha to expect at first, but te support’s great - it feels like I’ve landed in the right spot,

Growing Talent at Every Level

This commitment to development at Haines Hunter Boats spans all career stages. Earlier in the year Chris and Hamandeep completed the MAST Academy six-month Learning to Lead programme early this year, gaining their Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) – showing that whether you’re an apprentice starting out or a seasoned professional stepping up, there’s always room to grow.

Chris Kettle-Williams (left), Hamandeep Singh (right)