Recruitment remains a key issue for marine industry, says BMF

By IBI Magazine / David Foxwell

The British Marine Federation (BMF) says recruitment and an ongoing 'skills shortage' remain key issues for the marine industry in the UK, but says a number of initiatives that are underway are helping to counter the situation.

Speaking to IBI on October 21, Sarah Dhanda, the BMF's director of Training Services, said initiatives such as an apprenticeship scheme in Norfolk, and schools challenges in different parts of the UK, were proving successful.

The Norfolk scheme now has more than 60 apprentices, and was recently featured on the BBC Look East programme.

A Schools Marine Challenge in the South West of the UK is now in its second year, with 20 schools taking part in a competition to design and build boats, culminating in Race day in June.

The overall objective of the training service provided by the BMF is to develop and promote an environment for training and recruitment that benefits the UK marine industry. In addition to BMF courses, the Federation is also involved in national and regional marine industry qualifications and training programmes. Active promotion of careers in the marine industry is a major part of the training team's work.

Dhanda also highlighted the Revised Marine Sector Modern Apprenticeship Framework, another initiative intended to help combat the skills shortage, which has been approved alongside updated City & Guilds Awards.

Dhanda said the BMF also continues to work with Regional Development Agencies in the UK, and with other, local agencies, to identify regional and local needs and to look for solutions.

(21 October 2003)