Tuesday 20 September was Schools, Apprenticeships and Careers Day at the Southampton International Boat Show and to get the day underway 65 apprentices from across the marine sector came together for a recognition ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Learning and development consultant, Jasmine Kundra, best known for being on the BBC’s The Apprentice hosted the event and got things underway by sharing her top tips on what the apprentices should be thinking about as they approach the post apprenticeship phase of their career. From refining their elevator pitch and carving out an identity in the organisation, to being in the right peer group, understanding the strategy and culture of your organisation and always having one really well researched question to ask key contacts were just some of the tips she shared.
Explorer Monty Halls provided the keynote speech and proved a big hit with the audience as he shared personal anecdotes and drew parallels between the unpredictability of water and life and the importance of a positive attitude.
“The sea is the seventh largest economy in the world and that’s due to double in the next decade. As we sail into uncharted waters – economics, geopolitics, environment, imagine your GPS and plotter won’t work because the landscape has changed, you have to rely on yourself and the knowledge you have and if the technology goes down, we can survive because we’ve got good people.”
The show also welcomed Captain Allan Youp (Royal Navy), Head of Maritime Enterprise Engagement. Previously head of RN Midshipmen programme and learning and development he is acutely aware and understands the challenges and team effort needed to get apprentices to where they are today. “We need skilled individuals in the industry, to further develop skills and inspire others. I am delighted to congratulate you all.” He also highlighted that the majority of the RN sailors drawing Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral gun carriage were apprentices.
It was then time for each of the apprentices to collect their recognition ceremony certificates before being invited to take part in a panel discussion with industry experts, providing a unique opportunity to ask questions regarding careers and opportunities in the leisure marine industry.
“In the recent British Marine members survey over 70% of respondents highlighted the need for a skilled workforce. We need skilled workers in order for our industry to flourish and we are working hard to help achieve this, so seeing so many young apprentices here today gives me great confidence. My congratulations and thanks go to each and every one of the young people present here today, because you are acquiring the skills and knowledge that our industry needs”, commented Paul Gullett, President British Marine who was also present at the ceremony.
Later in the afternoon it was time for the British Marine Career Speed Networking event, giving students from year 10 upwards, college and university, the perfect opportunity to meet with employers from across the marine sector and ask those burning questions. Just like speed dating, each student had 3 minutes with each of the 15 employers in the room before moving to the next.
There was an amazing atmosphere with well over 100 young people attending the event gaining invaluable insight from companies spanning the sector.
Special thanks to the Andrew Simpson Foundation, Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), Berthon Boat Company Ltd, Tingdene Marinas Ltd, Princess Yachts Ltd, Raymarine UK Ltd, Barton Marine Equipment Ltd, Pendennis Shipyard Ltd, Premier Marinas Ltd, Marine Resources Recruitment Ltd, UKSA, Aqua SuperPower Ltd, SeaBoat Maritime and QinetiQ Ltd for their time and for making the event such a success.
To conclude the day British Marine and Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust hosted a joint networking event showcasing a proposed training programme, created from feedback from a recent skills survey, aimed at closing the current gaps in skills and get people trained in the relevant areas.
“We have had an absolutely amazing day here at the show”, commented Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine. “There has been real buzz around all the different sessions with amazing speakers providing a wealth knowledge and advice to apprentices, school, college and university students. We really hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and were able to take away some useful pieces of information from our experts.”
Alongside the career’s events, over 700 school children aged 11 upwards visited the show to get a taste of marine life. With talks, treasure hunt and lots of opportunities to get out on the water, it was an action-packed day for all.
