About 100 Glasgow pupils took part in diving and explosive ordnance disposal drills run by the Royal Navy at a Maritime Pathways event, as the Scottish Government committed £75,000 over three years to the programme, according to the Scottish Maritime Cluster.
The S3 pupils also used ship simulators and VR welding at City of Glasgow College, and met representatives from firms including BAE Systems, CMAL, Malin Group and Dales Marine Services. Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, attended. The programme returns for a second year with 14 events across Scotland, from Stornoway to Aberdeen, and the £25,000 annual contribution through Transport Scotland matches funding from the cluster’s members.
Kevin Hobbs, chair of Scottish Maritime Cluster and chief executive officer at CMAL, said: “Last year’s pilot demonstrated the impact that direct exposure to industry can have on young people as they begin thinking about their futures.
“One of the most encouraging outcomes has been hearing from pupils who discovered an interest they didn’t know they had, with some going on to take their first steps towards a career because of one of our events. That shows the difference programmes like this can make and it’s encouraging to see that success recognised through the funding committed to support the programme’s future.
“For communities such as Glasgow, maritime is part of everyday life, but young people may not always be aware of the variety of careers behind it. By connecting pupils with people working across the industry, we want to show them the many different routes into the sector and the opportunities available to them.”
Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for economy, tourism and transport said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government is providing £75,000 over 3 years to help encourage young people into hugely rewarding maritime careers.
“A diverse maritime and shipping sector plays a vital role in Scotland’s economy. This funding will go towards maritime education and resources, facilitating a maritime toolkit and schools visits throughout Scotland to support the sector’s continued success.”
Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the Glasgow Employment and Skills Board, said: “The maritime sector has shaped Glasgow for generations, and it has a real part to play in the city’s economic future.
“Bringing approximately 100 pupils from across the city region together with businesses in the Scottish Maritime Cluster provides an important opportunity to give young people early insight into the industry and the breadth of career pathways available to them. If the sector is going to find the talent it needs to meet its ambitions, we have to reach young people early and give them meaningful opportunities to engage with industry.”
Then Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said in February that funding for the Clyde maritime cluster was allocated by sector and combined with private support, and that the Scottish Government wanted a similar approach in Fife with Babcock.
