Published on: 06 March 2023
Find your dream job in the marine industry
This week is National Careers Week (06-11 March). To kick start the week British Marine, the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, shares some top tips on how to find a career in the marine sector
The UK marine sector is made up of over 6,300 companies with a combined worth of over £4.2 billion and offers a wealth of career opportunities that many may overlook. As an industry it is at the forefront of innovation, pioneering new technology, with world renowned craftsmanship and is a world leader in design, but how do you go about finding your dream job in this exciting industry?
There are a whole host of diverse career opportunities available within the leisure marine sector, offering opportunities for a variety of skills sets across many different roles.
From engineers and designers to boat builders and technicians; craftspeople and hospitality supervisors, to welders and marketers, many people simply don’t realise the full extent of the roles and opportunities that exist within the sector.
“The marine sector has a lot to offer, job security, career development, training and a great variety of work, with businesses looking for practical, hands-on, technical problem-solvers who have the passion and initiative to manage and deliver key projects. You can also expect a thriving, passionate and hardworking culture, with plenty of opportunities to ensure a great work/life balance”, explains Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine.
Whether you’re a school leaver or graduate, experienced tradesperson or skilled professional there are opportunities in the sector to get involved in interesting, challenging and important work.
Marine Apprenticeships
Whether you are preparing to leave school or looking to change careers, the marine industry offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities.
As an apprentice you spend time both in the classroom as well as out in the field, getting first-hand experience in a range of workplace activities.
You will be assigned a coach/mentor who will guide you through the apprenticeship, which will last anything from one to five years, starting at Level 2, equivalent to GCSEs progressing through to Level 7, which is equivalent to a master’s degree, depending on the apprenticeship being undertaken. Plus, you will earn while you learn, taking home a salary, alongside gaining qualifications and occupational experience at the same time.
There are a whole host of apprenticeships offered by marine employers including Engineering Technician – maritime defence apprenticeship, Marina & Boatyard Operative apprenticeship, Boat Builder apprenticeship, Outdoor Activity Instructor apprenticeship, to name just a few.
It is worth remembering that the list is by no means exhaustive and that new Standards are being developed all the time. View apprenticeship opportunities here: https://britishmarine.co.uk/Careers-and-Training/Marine-Apprenticeships/Apprenticeship-Opportunities
“At the recent Southampton International Boat Show we welcomed 65 apprentices from across the marine sector to a recognition ceremony to celebrate their achievements, after which they took part in a panel discussion with industry experts, where they had a unique opportunity to ask questions regarding careers and opportunities in the leisure marine industry.
“There are some fantastic opportunities out there and all the apprentices are really enjoying their roles in the industry”, Manj commented.
Graduate marine careers
This is one of the most exciting times to get involved in the marine industry, as we work to meet global demand and keep the UK a top maritime nation. And the industry needs ambitious, motivated people to meet these challenges.
There are plenty of opportunities for graduates in the marine sector, with opportunities to use and develop the skills acquired throughout their studies. On a graduate programme you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of work and get fantastic training whilst spearheading innovation too.
There is huge scope for career advancement in the marine sector, and some programmes have an international focus, so there may be the opportunity to spend some time abroad. You can also learn about finance, management and HR as well as more technical areas.
To find out more about graduate opportunities rel=”noopener noreferrer” visit https://britishmarine.co.uk/Careers-and-Training/Marine-Career-Pathways/Graduate/Graduate-Opportunities
Job seeker
If you’re looking for a job in the marine sector you will find a whole host of marine rel=”noopener noreferrer” jobs listed on the British rel=”noopener noreferrer” Marine website – https://mymembership.britishmarine.co.uk/careers/marine-job-vacancies
You’ll find vacancies listed from British Marine member and non-member organisations covering a whole range of roles from customer services to yacht broker, marine electricians to skippers.
You’ll also find details of training courses and funding opportunities to help support you in finding your perfect role.
Career changer
In the recent British Marine members survey over 70% of respondents highlighted the need for a skilled workforce. With the need for skilled workers, vital for the industry to flourish, having the right training and right people is crucial.
As a career changer you can take your existing skills set and utilize them in the marine sector; you could go from doing the electrics on a new building to the electrical fittings onboard a superyacht; from selling cars to selling high speed RIBS and find yourself embarking on a fantastic career in a thriving, interesting and diverse sector.
For lots more advice, tips and information on rel=”noopener noreferrer” careers in the marine industry visit https://britishmarine.co.uk/Careers-and-Training
for loads more top tips, advice and useful information, about careers in the marine industry.