Youth charity launches engineering jobs initiative

Delivered by the Sea Cadets in partnership with Seafarers UK, the three-year project will aim to appeal to schoolchildren in year 9, who are looking at their options choices, to think about a future in marine engineering. ?

?Research from the Engineering UK 2016 report has previously highlighted concerns over the growing shortage of people with engineering skills and the effect it could have on the UK industry in the future. ?

?Speaking on Wednesday, Lord Mountevans, Lord Mayor of the City of London, unveiled the first of seven mobile units, funded by Seafarers UK, which will be used to take engineering into schools and communities across the UK.??

The mobile units will be used for delivering introductory qualifications in marine engineering and taster sessions within schools.

?He said: "This eye-catching initiative can inspire more young people to learn about the wide mix of career opportunities that exist in the UK's world-leading maritime sector, and in marine engineering in particular. ??

"My hope is that as these mobile units visit more young people, schools, teachers, parents and careers advisers will be inspired by the idea of pursuing a hugely rewarding career in marine engineering."??

The initiative is due to be piloted across the South West, before being extended to schools across the UK later this year.

?Barry Bryant, director general of Seafarers UK, said: "Seafarers UK has supported maritime youth work and those organisations focused on preparing young people for a potential career at sea for almost 100 years.

??"This joint initiative with Sea Cadets is a great way of reaching out to young people and helping them to think more creatively about their career aspirations and the opportunities that exist in maritime and marine engineering."