A marine careers fair was held at the Royal Yacht Squadron Pavilion in Cowes last Thursday, promoting the opportunities available in the marine industry to over 600 local youngsters.
Over 30 companies and places of education had stands for the students to visit. Stand holders giving out free gifts were popular but most of the students were keen to obtain information on careers with a nautical theme.
As different year groups arrived, there was a long queue at times with everyone keen to obtain the information they were seeking.
BAE Systems were demonstrating their Sampson Radar System which is used by the Royal Navy. Students attending had the chance to see a working model and Radar systems were explained.
Ben Wood photography (Island Images) has more than 20 years of experience working in the marine industry, particularly work featuring yacht races and regattas. He compiled the photography for Brian Marriott’s ‘Wight Book’ as well as being commissioned by Jamie Matheson to record a history of his yacht ‘Opposition’ which was previously ‘Morning Cloud 2’ when owned by Ted Heath.
Cowes Yacht Haven represents the heart of the sailing world in Cowes, being centrally located for visiting yachtsmen and women. Island-born Managing Director Daniel Jehan is very hands-on and is only too willing to pass on his vast experience to those on work experience.
Island RIBS, formed 8 years ago, is based at Kingston in East Cowes. Over the years Island RIBS has forged itself an excellent reputation for both build quality and performance. They exhibited at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show as they did last year. Any new employees have the chance to learn the many skills needed to produce these craft. Island RIBS had 1 of their vessels on show in the R.Y.S. Haven.
Vestas Offshore Wind, based outside Newport on the River Medina, have installed more wind power units worldwide than any other company. They have excellent training packages and many of their employees have had no previous experience when they signed up. Anyone keen to learn can soon gain promotion. On the island, they produce 80 and 85-metre rotor blades which are then transported down the River Medina before onward transmission to the numerous offshore wind turbine farms.
Wight Shipyard Company is based in the Columbine Building in East Cowes, home to the large union flag on its doors. It is now Europe’s leading high-speed craft and aluminium shipbuilder. Its latest vessels are 2 Clippers for the River Thames and 2 super yachts for private clients.
Meanwhile, on the R.Y.S Haven, several vessels were available to view and board. Pride of place was taken by the Royal Navy patrol boat P167 HMS Exploit. Its usual duties include patrolling the waters around the GB coasts with a watchful eye for people smuggling. In the pavilion students could obtain information on the Royal Navy but to board a ship was a great experience for the students.
Cowes Harbour Commission had 1 of their 2 workboats ‘Seamark’ on display together with a work-boat RIB. Another of the vessels ‘Seaclear’ is used to pilot the floating bridge. They also had a stand in the pavilion for those interested in working for the Cowes Harbour Commission.
Carron Snagge, Chairman of the R.Y. S. Foundation said that he was delighted with the response from schools and employers attending. He hoped they had opened some doors for employment in the Maritime Sector for Island youngsters.
Other employers with stands included Red Funnel and Cowes-based Seasafe Systems Ltd.
Please could there be something like this for university graduates and be informed before it is held. Thanks
Would have been useful to know about this before the event