Solent’s Maritime Transport Careers Programme hits engagement milestone

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

Set up by Solent Careers Hub and members of Business South’s Maritime Transport Action Group, the programme reaches out to all manner of people from school pupils to professionals looking to change careers.

The aim is to help address the ongoing skills gap in the region’s maritime and transport industries.

Schools across Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight have taken part in immersive days out with Meachers Global Logistics and Portsmouth International Port.

The MTCP has also attended plenty of careers fairs and hosted interactive primary school assemblies with the likes of DP World.

Its members have also got involved in Maritime Mondays, which provides on-site visits to Carnival and ABP Ports to help careers advisers and teachers showcase the maritime career opportunities available across the Solent to their students.

The programme hopes to attract a new influx of talent to futureproof the industry, with upcoming events including SeaWork in Southampton from 11 to 13 June, and Southampton International Boat Show’s schools day on 17 September.

Plus, MTCP members have been working with a number of partners to create a resource for schools across the UK, to be made available in the autumn.

It comprises four short courses covering logistics, supply chain management, freight forwarding and green skills in logistics.

Katie Bruce, engagement officer for the MTCP, said: “Since the successful launch of the programme in November, we’ve 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.”

The MTCP is funded by partners including Red Funnel, ABP, Meachers Global Logistics, Southampton Airport, Portsmouth International Port, Carnival and Williams Shipping.

Those interested in supporting the programme or looking to move into a new career are invited to get in touch with Katie at katie.bruce@portsmouthhcc.gov.uk