British Marine launches online training academy
The British Marine Training Academy launches at the Southampton International Boat Show
British Marine has officially launched the British Marine Training Academy, a digital learning platform providing online training for individuals and businesses in the leisure marine sector.
The academy was launched on the new British Marine Training Stand at the Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 22 September, alongside representatives from official course partner Clegg Gifford and founding partners Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, part of Howden; Skandinavian Agency Services S.A.C Marine Surveyors; Aqueduct Marina; and Bartons Solicitors.
British Marine says the platform is intended to train people at different stages of their careers, combining online learning with knowledge from across the marine sector. Its course programme will cover training for people entering the industry, developing their careers or building on their existing skills and knowledge.
Manj Mahey, head of training at British Marine, says: “It has been fantastic to officially launch the British Marine Training Academy and to see the level of interest it has already generated on the training stand.
“We have spoken to businesses looking for more effective ways to introduce new employees to the industry, as well as individuals keen to build their knowledge and progress their careers. That response reinforces exactly why the academy is needed.
“Our aim is to provide trusted, flexible and genuinely useful learning shaped by the industry for the industry. This launch is only the beginning, and we look forward to working with our members, partners and the wider sector to continue developing the academy’s course offering.”
Toby Clegg, CEO of Clegg Gifford, says: “Businesses that invest in knowledge and professional development are better equipped to manage risk, support their people and build for the future. That is why Clegg Gifford is proud to be the official course partner of the British Marine Training Academy, supporting the development of accessible, industry-relevant learning that will benefit individuals and businesses across the marine sector.”
First course launches
The launch also marks the release of the academy’s first online course, Introduction to the Marine World.
The course is aimed at people who are new to the leisure marine industry or preparing to enter it. It covers the structure of the sector, different types of boats and commonly used marine terminology, along with regulation, safe working and professional behaviour.
It’s also intended for businesses looking for a consistent way to introduce new employees to the marine sector. The course is suitable for new starters, career changers, apprentices, trainees and early-career employees, as well as people in non-technical roles including finance, HR, marketing, sales, administration and customer service. No previous marine industry or boating experience is required.
The course takes approximately two hours to complete. It also covers leisure marine customers, their expectations and opportunities for further knowledge and career development.
Introduction to the Marine World is available from £99 excluding VAT, with discounted academy course rates available to British Marine members.
Further courses are in development and are expected to cover areas including technical skills, compliance, leadership, professional development, innovation and future challenges facing the marine industry.
Businesses and individuals can also suggest subjects for future courses as the academy’s programme develops.
Manj adds: “The academy has been designed to develop alongside the industry. We want businesses and learners to tell us where they need support so we can create courses that respond directly to the skills, knowledge and challenges that matter to them.”
