Maritime and transport careers programme attracts thousands across Central South

The Maritime Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) is excited to announced it has engaged with over 5,000 individuals across the Central South and participated in more than 50 events since it launched just seven months ago.

Created by Solent Careers Hub and members of Business South’s Maritime Transport Action Group to help address the continuing skills gap in the maritime and transport industries. The programme has already reached individuals ranging from school pupils and college leavers to professionals and those looking to get back into work or change careers.

Immersive days with partners including Meachers Global Logistics and Portsmouth International Port have been held for schools across Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight and the MTCP has attended numerous careers fairs and hosted interactive primary school assemblies with the likes of DP World. The sector’s Maritime Mondays have also been supported by MTCP, which has provided on-site visits to Carnival and ABP Ports for careers advisors and teachers from the Solent’s secondary schools and colleges to showcase the maritime career opportunities available to their students. 

The programme is now looking forward to a number of events where it will be aiming to

attract a new influx of talent to future-proof the industry, including SeaWork in Southampton (11-13 June), and The Southampton International Boat Show’s schools day (17 September). In addition, the programme has been working closely with a number of partners to create a nationwide resource for schools which will feature four maritime and logistics short courses covering logistics, supply chain management, freight forwarding and green skills in logistics. The resources will be available in the Autumn.

MTCP, which is funded by partners including Red Funnel, ABP, Meachers Global Logistics, Southampton Airport and Portsmouth International Ports, has also announced cruise liner, Carnival and Williams Shipping as its latest partners to support the programme in showcasing the dynamic career opportunities in the maritime and transport sector.

Katie Bruce, Engagement Officer for the Maritime Transport Careers Programme, said: “Since the successful launch of the programme in November, we have held and attended dozens of schools and professional events across the region and are already receiving requests and bookings well into Autumn. From climbing in trucks and crossing the Solent on the Red Jet to delivering presentations and hearing first hand from professionals in the industry, thousands of children and adults have been given the opportunity to learn more about the huge variety of careers in the region.

“We have some fantastic opportunities lined up over the summer and I’m looking forward to working with more businesses and schools to help us attract the best talent to our industries.”

Businesses within maritime and transport sectors can support the careers programme by facilitating and attending events. Those interested in supporting the programme or for anyone looking for support moving into a new career, can contact Katie Bruce, Engagement Officer, at: katie.bruce@portsmouthhcc.gov.uk.