More than 90 free or low-cost courses launched by British Marine

British Marine has launched its web-based portal offering more than 90 accredited courses covering a wide range of business needs alongside marine-specific courses, to address skills gaps, reinforce career pathways and assist staff retention.

The British Marine Training Platform offers a wide range of fully funded level 2 and low-cost CPD accredited courses addressing many skills development needs across the marine industry. Training is delivered online via an accessible portal using an engaging mix of methods to suit different learning styles. Each course can be taken flexibly, to suit personal abilities and priorities, with an option to set a deadline for completion.

Course topics span several high priority areas, including:

• Business administration
• Customer service
• IT skills
• Management and leadership
• Personal development
• Employee welfare
• Health and Safety
• Legislative compliance

The trainee’s progress is assisted by in-course revision questions and assessed at the end using multiple choice examination. Notes and bookmarks created by the trainee during the course remain available for future reference. All successful candidates receive pass certificates, endorsed by British Marine and backed by an accredited qualification body.

The level 2 courses offered by the British Marine Training Platform are equivalent to GCSEs and are fully funded for eligible candidates by the UK Government’s Adult Education Budget (AEB) via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Most members’ employees are likely to fit the eligibility criteria to receive these courses at zero cost. The CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses are also fully accredited and members can access these for £30 each.

Speaking about the significance of this new launch, Lesley Robinson, British Marine’s CEO, says: “The challenges of recruitment, staff development and skills shortages are among the top issues raised across the whole marine industry today. Our members placed people and skills as one of the top five priorities for British Marine to focus on in its National Agenda. The constrictive impact of Brexit upon the UK labour market has further heightened the need to grow and nurture our collective talent pool.

“British Marine has a long track record of collaborating with members to identify requirements and respond by creating specialist training programmes and apprenticeships for sector-specific needs. Our training team also assists members daily to understand and access hundreds of apprenticeships, T Levels, traineeships, and the funding that is available for these streams.

“The online British Marine Training Platform is an important next step to address wider skills development needs across the whole industry. Its flexible delivery, breadth of courses and zero to minimal cost of access is perfect for any business, small or large. It will enhance our members’ abilities to attract new talent, upskill existing staff and provide structured career pathways.

“We look forward to seeing our members take full advantage of everything on offer within the Training Platform in the days ahead.”