Careers within the global maritime industry offer a wealth of opportunity and provide mariners with the education, training and experience for a lifetime of rewarding challenges. A wide variety of opportunities exist on both land and sea including: Marine Renewables, Oil and Gas, Superyachts, Ports and Harbours, and the Merchant Navy (cruise liners, tankers, support vessels, ferries and cargo).

In response to the growing demand for qualified professionals in this sector, Pembrokeshire College has formed an exciting partnership with Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, Southampton, and the Port of Milford Haven to offer the first Foundation Cadetship in Wales, and one of only handful in the UK, to learners aged over 16 starting in September 2023.

The course, known as the Warsash Maritime School Pre-Cadetship at Pembrokeshire College, is designed to help learners to progress to a Deck Officer or Engineering Officer role on a superyacht or working for one of the largest shipping companies or cruise liners in the world!

As an island nation, it is increasingly important for us to harness opportunities that are presented by our maritime heritage and access to waterways. Over 95 per cent of all UK imports and exports are delivered by sea, with the maritime sector currently being the third largest contributor to UK Plc in terms of revenue generation (according to Maritime UK).

Pembrokeshire’s own maritime heritage has diversified over the decades from fishing to downstream oil and gas, and now marine renewable energy. Pembrokeshire College is getting ready to offer school leavers the skills that are in demand right now by the maritime sector and will be needed in Pembrokeshire within the next five years with the emergence of offshore wind.

The offshore wind sector in Pembrokeshire and Tidal Lagoon offshore solar development in Swansea will require service vessels operators, pilots and marine engineers.

Anna Malloy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “For 65 years, maritime has been at the heart of Pembrokeshire’s economy, providing rewarding, well paid careers for thousands of people.”

Anna added: “Exciting opportunities lie ahead, and we’re delighted to partner with Pembrokeshire College as it supports our next generation workforce to develop the skills they’ll need to grab these opportunities with both hands.”

Giuseppe Saieva, Deputy Director, Warsash Maritime School, said: “Shipping offers the chance of an adventurous lifestyle packed with exciting and well-paid career prospects in a dynamic and growing industry, and provides challenges and responsibilities for those who want more from a career than the usual ‘nine to five’ routine. We’re delighted to be partnering with Pembrokeshire College enabling young people in Wales the opportunity to take their first steps into maritime.

“The Warsash Maritime School Pre-Cadetship at Pembrokeshire College is designed to successfully prepare aspiring mariners to gain the skills and qualifications needed to progress directly to our industry-leading officer cadet training at Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, Southampton.”

This is a two-year programme encompassing marine engineering and maritime studies. Alongside the main programme, learners will also have an opportunity to achieve qualifications to help develop their sea legs. Fully-funded by The Reardon Nautical Trust, they will also achieve a license to pilot a powerboat, learn how to navigate and how to operate a VHF Radio competently.

As a Foundation Cadet they’ll need to start thinking and acting like a trainee Officer – The Port of Milford Haven will be funding both the uniform and personal protective equipment, which learners will be required to wear in the engineering workshops.

On successful completion of the programme, learners will have direct entry to the officer cadet training programme at the prestigious Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, or they may wish to find an apprenticeship locally or apply to university to study engineering or a maritime related degree. If they decide to take the full cadetship option at Warsash then their education will be funded by a sponsoring shipping company and they will undertake a programme involving academic and practical training, integrated with periods of hands-on training at sea. At the end of the cadetship, they’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree with honours, a foundation degree or a HND academic qualification. They’ll also gain a professional qualification – a Certificate of Competency as an Officer of the Watch.

For further information please contact Pembrokeshire College Admissions on 0800 9 776 788 or email [email protected]

For further information about Warsash Maritime School, and the School’s officer cadet training programmes, please visit: https://maritime.solent.ac.uk/careers/officer-cadet-training .