South Shields Marine School in the UK holding careers day in November
South Shields Marine School
A maritime school in the north east of England is holding a careers day where companies will be recruiting for jobs with tax-free starting salaries of up to £40,000.
Ten companies have confirmed their attendance at the careers open day at South Shields Marine School in South Tyneside so far. The companies confirmed are: Ship Safe Training Group (SSTG), Just Be Maritime (JBM), Stena (Stena Line), Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), Clyde Marine Training (CMT), Prichard Gordon Tankers (PGT), MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival (P&O Cruises and Cunard Cruises) and BP (oil and gas).
Students enrolling at the college, which is the oldest of its kind in the world, graduate debt-free thanks to sponsorship. Jobs showcased include roles on container ships, tankers, cruises and vessels carrying out Arctic surveys.
Principal Simon Ashton, who himself trained at the marine school, says: “Anyone considering a maritime career or who is simply curious about what it would be like to work at sea can take this unique opportunity to meet our lecturers, explore different roles, talk to leading shipping industry professionals about sponsorship and current roles, have a look around the school and even have a go on the ship and bridge simulators.
“School leavers, current sea cadets and anyone who would like a career change are welcome.”
Students at the marine school, which was founded in 1861, undergo fully funded study while earning a basic apprenticeship wage and specialise in one of three areas – navigation, engineering or technology.
Current students, cadets and pre-cadets will be on hand during the career open day to share their real time experience and offer their advice and support.
Ashton adds: “This is an opportunity for any person of any age to come and speak to our sponsor companies. These range from cruise ships to training and management firms, which work on behalf of a number of different shipping firms.
“The good thing about it is everything is paid for. You get an allowance as a cadet, the companies will pay for all of your training while you’re here, and at the end of it, you’ll come out with a qualification in higher education, so something equivalent to a HND or a foundation degree.
“But more importantly, you’ll get a professional qualification that will allow you to sail as an engineer officer or navigation officer on board ship, and it’s a fantastic career. You end up seeing the world, and it doesn’t cost you a penny. I’ve been to some absolutely fantastic places, including the Far East, America, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.
“It really is a phenomenal career, but it’s not something that a lot of people know about. This is a chance to raise awareness of what the industry is about.
“The industry needs about 1500 to 2000 cadets coming through the system every year, and at the moment, we’re not near that, so there’s always plenty of opportunities.”
The marine school, which attracts students from around the world, is close to all transport links with a brand new student building overlooking the River Tyne and a stone’s throw from the Port of Tyne set to open in 2027.
Jon Milner, head of school for nautical science, says: “The starting salary for a third or fourth officer is between £30-£40K and it’s tax free because you’re at sea. It’s a fantastic salary and career.
“It’s a great opportunity. People see the big ships but they don’t know how to work on them or get into the industry. We aim to provide the best experience possible for students at our world class training school.
“Sponsorship means that students have a chance to study for a career at sea without student debt and travel the world while getting paid.”
South Shields Marine School Careers at Sea Open Day is on Saturday November 8 from 10am to 2pm.
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