MAGAZINE: Warning over huge shortfall in young people entering UK maritime industry

A lack of information and guidance for young people on possible careers in the maritime industry will create a shortfall in years to come that could have a worrying impact on the industry and the UK economy.
Shortfall in young people entering UK maritime industryShortfall in young people entering UK maritime industry
Shortfall in young people entering UK maritime industry

That’s according to the charity Seafarers UK that has released a report today ahead of Seafarers Awareness Week (20-26 June) which shows that the majority of young people have little or no knowledge of careers in the maritime industry.

Only 2% say they have been given careers advice about the maritime industry, compared to professional services (18%), science and engineering (21%), health sector (19%), retail (14%), construction (8%), uniformed public services such as police, fire service, paramedics (13%), media (18%), catering (8%).

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When asked from the above list of careers, which they thought offered good prospects, only 1 in 20 picked the maritime industry. It’s perhaps not surprising that more than 70% have never considered a career at sea as one in three have never even been onboard a ship.

The UK maritime industry directly contributes at least £11 billion a year to the economy, while supporting over 113,000 jobs.* Approximately 70,000 people in the UK currently work at sea+, including in the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, and Fishing Fleets.

According to a recent worldwide report there is a current global shortfall of about 16,500 officers in the maritime industry, but a need for an additional 147,500 officers by 2025 to service the world merchant fleet~.

Seafarers UK believes these numbers are indicative of many new job opportunities in the industry and are calling for more guidance and education on possible career options.

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