8th April 2022
A course aimed to give young people the qualifications they need to enter a career in the seafaring industry has achieved a 75 per cent success rate to date.
So far, three of the ten ‘Maritime Futures’ training courses have been delivered, with 25 participants completing the course.
Delivered by East Coast Maritime Training, on behalf of Hull Maritime, the Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund project to transform the city’s maritime treasures, the three-week intensive course is designed to support those who are looking to start their career in the fishing industry or other offshore sectors as well as making Hull’s maritime history and present relevant to young people.
Over the next two years, the ‘Maritime Futures’ programme will offer 100 young people aged 16 - 25 and the unemployed the chance to complete the recognised training with the aim of 75 per cent of those going on to secure employment within 12 months of completion.
Gillian Osgerby, Hull City Council’s Project Director for Hull Maritime, said: “We are delighted with the success of the training course so far. It shows there is an appetite for young people who would like to enter a career in the maritime industry.
“This is just one of the elements of the project in which we are supporting local people with training, learning and job opportunities.”
David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful to see that thanks to National Lottery players, Hull’s ‘Maritime Futures’ has given young people the opportunity to not only learn about heritage, but to become truly involved in it through undertaking these courses. We know that giving people a chance to have a closer understanding and relationship to their heritage reaps many benefits, and this is something we are really proud to have supported.”
Not only does the course provide training in a range of disciplines, but it also supports the young people in applying for permanent jobs in the marine sector.
Those who completed the course in either August or October 2021, 11 are now in permanent maritime roles or have moved on to further training in the sector. In the first cohort, one went on to work on a windfarm logistics vessel; the others went to fishing or shellfish potting vessels working out of East Yorkshire ports. Of the second group, one has gone on to an engineering merchant navy cadet course and the others are working on fishing boats regionally and one out of Plymouth.
The latest course was completed on 18 March 2022, ten trainees started and finished the course and seven of the ten candidates had already received job offers in the fishing industry by the end-of-course award ceremony because of the training.
Asadi Suroush has just completed the course and said: “Overall the course has provided me with the relevant knowledge and experience for me to feel confident enough to work in the maritime industry.
“Completing this course has helped me find work on a prawn vessel in the fishing industry.”
Adam Spence also completed the latest course, said: “I think this course will massively help me get a job in the maritime industry. Thank you for the opportunity of doing this course, the best course ever. I will recommend to anyone thinking of going to sea.”
The accredited course provides vocational training alongside first-hand knowledge from former trawlermen, offering students a real insight to working in these industries. As well as hands-on skills, trainees also learn about all aspects of the current fishing industry, with 12 separate certificates being awarded to successful candidates. A partnership with the University of Hull Maritime Studies Department gives a historical context of the city.
Modules include mandatory safety training in firefighting, first aid, sea survival and health & safety along with engineering, radio procedures, watch keeping and navigation. Also, life skills, teamwork, and forward planning. The course includes a day of raft building at the nearby Kelsey Gardens to underpin the knowledge learnt on the sea survival, seamanship, and stability courses.
The first year of the Maritime Futures programme has been funded by Trinity House Maritime Charity (THMC) by the Department of Transport.
There are seven courses still to run and the next one is expected to take place in July 2022. To apply for future courses or further information email Training@ecmt.co.uk or visit www.ecmt.co.uk
