Blog: Launching a new qualification for shore-based maritime roles

CAS


The Maritime Skills Commission is delighted to share an update from the Careers to Maritime Ashore project. The project was designed to create a new qualification preparing adult re-trainers, school and college leavers for shore-based maritime roles. The qualification will provide a stepping stone for people to gain a basic level of understanding of the various roles available in the sector to assist make informed choices.  

The project was established to align with 2 - 7 of the Maritime Skills Commission's objectives and to deliver the follow:

  • To raise the profile of the industry within schools and colleges
  • To offer an introductory listed qualification for post 16 providers
  • To ensure Maritime shore careers are more visible and accessible
  • To establish a pool of trained candidates for employers 
  • To ensure the highest level of excellence within the Industry in shore-based roles
  • To raise the level of skilled personnel within the UK in line with Maritime 2050 priorities.

The project was completed in May 2021 and a new qualification from Open Awards aimed towards shore based roles in the Maritime Industry is now available. Traditionally, maritime training and qualifications has been aimed at sea cadets and those wanting to go to sea but this new Level 3 Certificate is designed for 16-18 year old students, as well as adult re-trainers, who are aware of the shipping sector and who want to learn more about the careers available and a basic understanding of the industry.  

The course is already successfully being delivered at Hugh Baird College in Liverpool in conjunction with Marine Society College and will be available from the North East School of Shipping based at Stockton Riverside College from September 2021.  

With thousands of people employed in the shore side roles of the shipping industry this is the perfect ‘first step’ into a career which is desperate for new, dynamic and diverse people to fill the skills gap.  

The course is now live with Open Awards so any existing center can register learners. The Commission is grateful to Nikki Sayer, Commissioner and Director at Casper Shipping and Darrell Bate, Director of Maritime Training and Development at Marine Society for delivering this project.