The 22 young grounds maintenance workers met Jim Graves of Merseyside Adventurous Sailing Trust (MAST) on the Stavros tall ship, docked in Liverpool harbour to find out more about the event.
The Apprentice Ship Cup, which will be held in June 2015, is the biggest tall ship race of its kind and enables young people to gains skills and confidence by sailing round the Irish Sea.
The horticulture apprentices who work on Glendale’s green services contract with the city council were given a glimpse of life on board and then saw a presentation at the nearby Titanic hotel on the event.
Peter Cosgrove, general manager of Glendale Liverpool, encouraged the young apprentices to take part.
He said, "It’s not just about getting on the ship, you have to earn your place on it. We need to fundraise. When you get on the ship, you have to have a good attitude – you are representing yourself, your family and your company."
Apprentice Andrew Carolan, 17, said: "I’ve never been on a ship before so it will be a new experience for me. The older boys told me that if I get the chance to go, don’t miss out on the opportunity."
Tate Whittaker, 17, intends to take part for the second year running.
He said: "I learnt how to work in a team and gained new skills and experience. As a result, I feel more confident in myself."
Once apprentices commit to the project, the next step is fundraising for their place on the ship.
Last year Glendale apprentices raised £7,500 through various team events, a sum which they will need to reproduce in the months leading up to the event.
