Cunard part of first industry led maritime and transport careers day

Over 200 students were recently welcomed to ABP’s Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton to introduce them to careers in the maritime and transport sector.

The event brought together Maritime and Transport organisations to showcase career opportunities and apprenticeship programmes. Maritime and Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) managed the event after identifying a skills gap in the maritime and transport industries in the Central South. Twenty schools from across the Solent including Portsmouth, Southampton, and the New Forest attended the event.

Watch the video to see highlights of the day!

Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow said: “We are a key maritime business in the Solent region and one of the largest employers. We are passionate about our industry and the opportunities it offers both at sea and at our headquarters in our home port of Southampton. Being part of MTCP enables Carnival UK to collaborate with like-minded companies to showcase the diversity of our sector and the very varied careers and experiences available.”

The event featured a range of fun and interactive activities designed to engage young attendees and spark their interest in different career fields. Set out in a marketplace setting, students were able to tour various employer stands and view a range of high-tech equipment used by businesses every day. Activities included speed networking and apprentice Q&A sessions, alongside the South Hampshire College Group Tech:Truck, which features augmented reality systems, marine and flight simulation technologies, fully programmable robotic arms, drones, 3D printers and more.

Katie Bruce, Engagement Officer for the Maritime & Transport Careers Programme, said: “It was a great day to bring together organisations across the sector and promote the wide variety of careers available in the area to people who typically have not considered these sectors. This event will shine a spotlight on the huge variety of jobs on offer right on their doorstep and help attract the fresh talent needed to future-proof the Solent’s impressive maritime and transport industries.”

Fifteen local maritime and transport organisations exhibited at the event, including DP World, Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Red Funnel, Meachers Global Transport, Southampton International Airport, Tesla, Solent Stevedores, and Williams Shipping. During the two sessions, students had the opportunity to meet each organisation and learn about careers, apprenticeships, and graduate programmes; they also had the chance to speak to employees from each organisation during a speed networking session. Outside of the terminal, pupils were able to get “hands on” inside HGV cabins, the Tech Truck from Fareham College, and a Tesla car.

Sindy Shakya, Head of Careers, Mountbatten School said: “We are very keen to show students the many opportunities available to them on their doorstep. With the maritime industry predicted to grow 5% in 2025, it is important to make students aware of the different jobs and careers they can pursue in both the maritime and logistics industry and raise the profile of both sectors. Today’s event at the ABP Cruise Terminal enabled students to have valuable conversations with different employers as well as trying their hands on the different equipment at the event. A big thank you to the organisers and employers present and we hope to attend again next year.”