UK college helps women break into marine sector

A college in Devon, UK, is holding an event this Friday, designed to help women break into the marine sector.

South Devon College is celebrating International Women into Marine Day on 1 April at its Hi-Tech & Digital Centre, with an event aimed at girls and young women.

Currently, women make up 14.5 per cent of all engineers but there has been an increase in the last few years; an increase that Harriette Wade-West, marine lecturer at South Devon College, has seen reflected in the student population at the Marine Academy.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of female students on marine courses, in engineering as well as boatbuilding and other disciplines. This is really encouraging to see and it’s great to be at the forefront of this shift,” says Wade-West.

Working alongside boatbuilder Princess Yachts, South Devon College offers marine engineering, composites and boatbuilding apprenticeships and says they’re seeing a change in the gender split.

“We have reached a 25/75 female to male ratio,” explains Alison Thompson, head of learning and development at Princess Yachts. Getting to 50/50 is looking more likely and it will revolutionise the marine industry.”

“Pursuing a career in the maritime sector is a great choice for women as there are so many options and opportunities for a challenging career, with the chance to work anywhere in the world,” adds Wade-West.

South Devon College’s specialist Marine Academy is reopening next month at Premier Marinas’ new Noss on Dart development.

As well as a variety of activities planned there will be a talk by Holly Manvell, founder of Clean Sailors.

Manvell started her not-for-profit organisation to raise awareness of ocean conservation and cleaner sailing practices.

“Our aim is to create an ocean ambassador out of each and every sailor around the world,” she says.

This year, she launched the Clean Sailors Youth Racing Team with three young champion sailors, including CJ Perez, the youngest sailor ever to join the SailGP sailing league and the first female sailor to win a SailGP race.

“At Clean Sailors, we work to set a new standard of sailing and sailor, mobilising our global sailing community in the conservation of our oceans. As part of our journey it is imperative for me, and for our ever-growing, international team, to build the future of our industry; one that is cleaner, yes, but as importantly, one that is more diverse and more accessible. A truly innovative, leading and sustainable industry depends on us achieving this,” says Manvell, pictured left.

Clean Sailors is also a founding member of the Cleaner Marina coalition, which champions marinas as guardians of cleaner waters.

Over the next 10 years, South Devon College Marine Academy says it aims to close the skills gap within the maritime sector and offer students a vibrant and flexible education with strong industry relationships.