Promote diversity to attract fresh talent to shipping
(Posted on 04/10/21)
Promoting diversity in shipping will help make the industry more appealing to young adults and adolescents, according to a digital maritime training expert.
Companies looking to attract a new generation of seafarers and onshore workers should market the sector as a progressive, exciting field that is open to people from all cultures and backgrounds, Nigel Cleave, Senior Advisor at OneLearn Global, believes.
“The wheels of global trade will grind to a halt if we can’t bring in new recruits over the coming years to man our ships or to work in shore-based operations,” said Mr Cleave, whose company provides eLearning training courses to the global maritime industry.
“Shipping accounts for 90% of all goods transported around the world, so we have to develop a talent pipeline to maintain supply chains and global trade.”
One way to attract new talent is to create digital training courses and promotional content featuring people from a variety of backgrounds, Mr Cleave said. He believes videos and animations that highlight the diverse nationalities, ethnicities and cultures within the industry will appeal to younger people considering their career options.
“When it comes to choosing a career, people are generally more likely to opt for a sector where they feel represented,” Mr Cleave said.
Mr Cleave’s comments come on World Maritime Day, which OneLearn Global, part of the Fameline Holding Group, will mark by lighting up its headquarters in Cyprus to pay tribute to seafarers around the world.
This year's World Maritime Day theme ‘Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future’ highlights the valuable role that crew members play amid fears of a looming skills gap.
A recent report by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping warns of a serious shortage of officers by 2026 unless shipping companies significantly increase training and recruitment.
An additional 89,510 officers will be needed within the next five years to operate the world merchant fleet, the report predicts – making it vital that shipping companies recruit and train fresh talent, while reskilling the existing workforce.
OneLearn Global is helping on the training front, by providing visually striking, bite-sized courses that can be completed anytime and from anywhere.
“Our extensive, ever-growing catalogue of eLearning programmes offers a range of vibrant courses that cover the entire spectrum of subjects needed for operating a vessel safely and securely,” Mr Cleave said. “Our innovative approach to maritime training is extremely popular with Generation Z (people born after 1996), who all expect digital, interactive and personalised content in today’s tech-driven world.”
Senior officers and crew with several years’ experience in the maritime sector have also shown a great appetite for OneLearn’s informative and entertaining course modules, which typically take 15–20 minutes to complete.
Latest News
Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries
(Posted on 20/11/24)A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more
NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase
(Posted on 20/11/24)The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more
ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker
(Posted on 12/11/24)ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more
FONASBA elects new President and Board
(Posted on 12/11/24)The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more
10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences
(Posted on 12/11/24)Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more
Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year
(Posted on 04/11/24)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more
Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships
(Posted on 04/11/24)Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild
(Posted on 31/10/24)A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more
Partnership to launch maritime Know-Your-Customer data platform
(Posted on 31/10/24)Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater... Read more
