Tuesday 19 September at the Southampton International Boat Show the focus was on apprenticeships and marine careers. To get the day underway, 69 apprentices from five leading companies in the marine industry 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 shared her top tips on what the apprentices should be thinking about as they approach the post apprenticeship phase of their career. From leveraging opportunities from their apprenticeship journey and using it to carve a long-term sustainable career in this thriving industry to advice about building their personal brand and identifying their support network, to how they contribute to the strategic success of their employers and use it as platform to give back and how to actively be part of company and industry success.
“These young people are very much seen as the future of the industry and have an entire network of supportive people around them, who are very pro their continued development and keen to help elevate their success”, commented Jasmine.
Jasmine was joined by explorer Monty Halls who provided the keynote speech and proved a big hit with the audience as he shared personal anecdotes, as well as emphasizing the importance of learning from your elders and those before you. “The valuable lessons and experiences the previous generations can impart are invaluable. Apprenticeships are founded upon this principle and can be seen in practice across cultures, across the globe…none other than within the oldest of all cultures: Aborigines”, Monty commented.
He also shared his own apprenticeship experience and importance this chapter had on his life and experiences this gave him, that have held him in good stead. He urged the apprentices in the room to use and take advantage of the valuable skills they have acquired, skills that have set them apart from those that have been to university and reminded them that the world is their oyster!
It was then time for each of the apprentices to collect their recognition ceremony certificates before being invited to take part in a Q&A panel discussion with industry experts, providing a unique opportunity for them to ask questions regarding careers and opportunities in the leisure marine industry.
“Skilled workers are key to the success of our industry, and we are working hard to help achieve this, so seeing so many young apprentices here today gives me great confidence for the future. 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.
Later in the afternoon it was time for the British Marine Careers event, giving students from year 10 upwards, and from colleges and universities, the perfect opportunity to meet with employers from across the marine sector and to ask those burning questions. 22 companies and training providers were on hand to offer marine career advice to young people, their parents, and guardians, as well as those looking for a career change. Those who attended the event were also given free ticket to visit the show the following day.
Maritime UK Solent were also delighted to be part of the first SIBS23 careers fair commenting: “The quality of conversations between exhibitors and visitors was absolutely top notch, and it’s wonderful to see the young people so engaged with their own career development planning. Young people and their parents or guardians walked away from today’s event inspired and enthusiastic as to what a career in the leisure marine or wider maritime sector can offer, and impatient to get started. Already looking forward to helping you develop this offer further for SIBS24!”
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine concluded by saying: “We have had an absolutely amazing day here at the show. There has been real buzz around all the different sessions with amazing speakers providing a wealth of 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.”
