Maritime UK is to deliver a nationwide ‘roadshow’ to inspire girls to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers in the maritime sector.
Maritime UK has been awarded £100,000 in grant funding from the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver a Maritime Roadshow for Girls throughout 2023.
The roadshow will aim to encourage Key Stage 3 girls to choose STEM subjects and to give the students greater awareness of career opportunities across the maritime industry.
DfT’s latest investment in delivering Maritime 2050 strategy
DfT’s latest investment in delivering Maritime 2050 builds upon their work to establish the Maritime Skills Commission
DfT’s latest investment in delivering Maritime 2050 builds upon their work to establish the Maritime Skills Commission, Diversity in Maritime Taskforce, and Careers Taskforce in partnership with Maritime UK.
Each roadshow, held across all nations and regions of the United Kingdom (UK), will offer students the chance to take part in speed networking with a Maritime UK Industry Ambassador and will feature a series of hands-on STEM activities.
Students to receive information about maritime sector
Students will receive information about the maritime sector and the schools will be supported with follow-up activities to increase the impact of the event. The events are designed to support the schools with their careers education, information, and guidance (CEIAG) programmes.
Events are being planned across the UK with activity scheduled in Hull, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Cornwall, Fleetwood, Southampton, Wales, London, Belfast, Barrow, and the Midlands. The first Roadshow event will take place in Hull on 7th March, 2023, during National Careers Week (6th – 11th March 2023).
Maritime UK’s roadshow
Maritime UK’s roadshow builds upon the previous activity by the 1851 Trust, who ran a similar roadshow. The series saw 1,400 girls from 90 schools taking part. An impressive 70% of who said that they felt inspired to think differently about their future careers.
The maritime industry is going through huge changes, as we work towards Maritime 2050"
Jess Huxley, Maritime UK’s Programme Executive (Careers & Outreach), said: “The maritime industry is going through huge changes, as we work towards Maritime 2050. It is vital that we have a pipeline of future talent from all regions and all backgrounds to fill the demand. This will only be possible by making young people aware of the opportunities available.”
Inspiring girls to consider STEM careers in maritime sector
Jess Huxley adds, “It is widely recognised that females are underrepresented in STEM careers, therefore, it is important to give female students a space to explore all the options available to them. I look forward to a year of inspiring girls to consider STEM careers in the maritime sector and to continuing the events in the future!”
Stuart Rivers, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), said: “Working in the maritime sector is hugely rewarding, with fantastic career prospects. The sector has so much to offer and it’s crucial that the next generation is aware of the opportunities available - and this roadshow is a great step to achieving that.”
It will also pave the way to encouraging more women to join the industry"
He adds, “It will also pave the way to encouraging more women to join the industry, which has always been male dominated. Latest figures show out of the world’s 1.89 million seafarers only two per cent are women, and that desperately needs to change.”
Maritime Roadshow for Girls
Stuart Rivers continues, “It is hoped this project, long term, will inspire more women to join the maritime sector, so we look forward to watching the impact it has.”
Maritime UK is keen to work with as many partners from across the sector as possible to make the roadshow series a success and will be running 30-minute information webinars on how to get involved with the Maritime Roadshow for Girls during National Apprenticeship Week (6th – 12th February 2023).
