News: Maritime UK gears up for National Apprenticeship Week and calls on businesses to get involved

NAW21


Maritime UK today announces its plans to promote the maritime sector during National Apprenticeship Week. The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships runs from 8 to 14 February 2021.

The week will shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the country. This year’s National Apprenticeship Week will also recognise how employers of all sizes have stepped up to the challenge during this unprecedented time.

The theme for NAW2021 is ‘Build the Future’ Maritime UK has been focused the call to “build back better” from COVID-19, with a particular focus on green recovery. The UK government forecasts the maritime sector to double in size to $3trn globally by 2030, and in the UK maritime has been designated as one of the key sectors to support in getting the country to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Maritime UK’s plans for National Apprenticeship Week 2021 include:

  • Launch of the dedicated apprenticeship focus for London International Shipping Week2021
  • New videos of employers talking about their apprenticeship programme
  • New video interviews with apprentices working across maritime
  • National industry webinar for employers to explore the value of apprenticeships
  • Publication of a NAW21 toolkit to enable companies and partners to support the maritime careers campaign during the week
  • Delivery of industry ambassador ‘visits’ by sector professionals across the week
  • Publication of new flyer listing all current maritime apprenticeships

Industry Toolkit

Maritime UK has produced an Industry Toolkit to enable individual companies to support its campaign during National Apprenticeship Week. The toolkit comprises digital assets, key messages and resources that enable partners to take the sector’s message to their local communities.

Working with Schools and Colleges

Throughout the week Maritime UK will be directly engaging with schools and colleges, particularly through the Careers Professionals’ Network, whose members are being equipped with targeted resources produced by the industry. In addition, volunteers signed up to Maritime UK’s Ambassador programme with Inspiring the Future are taking part in dedicated National Apprenticeship Week activities across the country. 

The public engagement activity is being led by Lorna Wagner, Programme Manager at Maritime UK:

“With the sector expected to double in size to $3trn by 2030, we need the next generation of innovators and problem solvers to join the industry and help shape the future of the world we live in. We are using National Apprenticeship Week 2021 to focus on the good news stories about the sector and the myriad of varied, exciting, and satisfying careers that can be embarked upon through an apprenticeship.”

“Our new careers’ professionals network has members from al corners of the UK and together with the ambassador programme, we’re fully supporting maritime careers learning in schools and colleges across the country.

“The rewards of working in maritime has been one of the UK’s best kept secrets, it’s time to share the news”

Celebrating apprenticeships at London International Shipping Week

Maritime UK is also planning a new dedicated focus on apprenticeships at London International Shipping Week 2021 in September. Activity will include employer sessions to share apprenticeship best practice and the presentation of awards, including apprentice of the year.

Getting involved

  • Employers can get involved by signing up for the employer briefing on the value of apprenticeships here and downloading the Industry Toolkit here.
  • Educators can get involved by making use of the suite of careers resources available online or requesting an industry ambassador ‘visit’.
  • Individuals can learn more about apprenticeships in the maritime sector by downloading an up-to-date list of available apprenticeships, browning apprenticeship opportunities, or watching videos of those who’ve undertaken on an apprenticeship in the sector.