New initiative to address skills shortages in Scotland’s boating industry

British Marine Scotland (BMS) has launched a new national training and workforce study aimed at addressing skills shortages in Scotland’s leisure marine sector, which generates £633m in gross value added (GVA) and supports more than 31,000 jobs. The initiative is funded by Crown Estate Scotland (CES).

The project, led by BMS in collaboration with workforce development specialist Margaret McCole and marine skills expert David Tournay, will map current technical training provision and identify practical solutions to meet the sector’s long-term needs. 

The study focuses on small-to-medium-sized vessels and covers core skills including boatbuilding, marine engineering, electronics, composites, marina operations, mooring and small harbour services.

While the skills overlap with other marine industries such as aquaculture, work boats and fishing, the leisure marine sector represents 44 per cent of all marine employment in Scotland. Boating tourism alone contributes £84m GVA and 3,100 full-time equivalent roles. 

Stakeholders say maintaining a skilled workforce is critical not only to the economy but also to the sustainability of coastal communities.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns about workforce capacity. According to BMS research, over 80 per cent of Scottish marine businesses report skills shortages, nearly 60 per cent anticipate staff retirements within five years, and only 12 per cent currently employ apprentices. 

Sarah Kennedy, chair of BMS, comments: “British Marine Scotland has championed this work because our members are telling us loud and clear that skills shortages are holding them back. This scoping exercise will provide the hard evidence we need to push for training that meets the real needs of our sector, now and in the future.”

BMS has previously contributed to strengthening training frameworks, including leading the development of the Modern Apprenticeship Framework for Boat Building and Repair.

Patrick Flockhart, vice chair of BMS, adds: “This is a critical, industry-driven initiative. Without urgent action to train, attract and retain skilled people, Scotland’s marine sector will face serious challenges. We’re calling on everyone in the industry to get involved.”

Ronan O’Hara, chief executive of Crown Estate Scotland, comments:  “Crown Estate Scotland is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of Scotland’s marine economy. This project will provide valuable insights into the skills and delivery mechanisms needed to strengthen the leisure marine sector and the communities that depend on it. We look forward to seeing the findings and how they can be used to help secure a thriving future for Scotland’s marine industries.”

Lesley Robinson, chief executive of British Marine, concludes: “Our members have highlighted a growing and now critical need for enhanced training within the sector in Scotland and British Marine is delighted that CES are supporting this initiative.  We hope this research will inform a strategic approach for delivery of industry standard training, capable of meeting the needs of marine sector employers in Scotland.  The sector relies on a skilled and growing workforce and enhanced promotion of the rewarding career opportunities available along with appropriate training provision to encourage routes into and through the sector.”