The highly topical issue of the skills gap in the marine sector is to come under the spotlight as part of London International Shipping Week 2013 when the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) and specialist engineering recruitment agency Matchtech will hold an ‘invitation only’ roundtable to discuss and debate this vital topic.
Chaired by Rear Admiral Nigel Guild CB, Chairman of the Engineering Council, and a Past President of IMarEST, the roundtable, taking place on Monday 9 September at IMarEST headquarters in London, will attract key organisations from the marine industry, defence, academia and training, providing those taking part with the opportunity to discuss the skills shortages in marine engineering within the sector.
There is also a questionnaire aimed to get at getting a broader view of the skills gap in the sector; this and can be filled out by visiting is open to all, and can be completed at:http://surveys.imarest.org/
“We are really looking forward to exploring topics such as the size and level of concern of the skills gap in the marine sector; where the recruitment of future marine engineers will come from; the value of marine engineering as a career; and the steps the industry is taking to address these issues. We’ll also be asking whether organisations invest in their staff and support the professional development of marine engineers which is something that the IMarEST is very well placed to support” explains David Kelly, Head of Marketing for IMarEST.
Natalie Desty, Department Manager- Marine & Shipping Division at Matchtech commented:; “A whitepaper will be published post-event and it, and our discussions on 9 September, will encompass many key issues. These will include a skills survey; the current numbers of engineers needed to facilitate the forecast growth of the marine sector; graduates and the challenges of attracting them to the marine industry; the growth of rival industries; the importance of retention – keeping good engineers within the sector; recruitment costs; and whether or not it is easy for the sector to attract engineers from other sectors and help them become ‘marinised’.
“We have much to discuss and look forward to a highly stimulating afternoon in September, leading to continuing discussion and action within the industry.”
About the Institute of Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
The IMarEST is an international membership body and learned society for all marine professionals. The IMarEST (a registered charity) is the first Institute to bring together marine engineers, scientists and technologists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body. It is the largest marine organisation of its kind with a worldwide membership of around 15, 000 based in over 100 countries.
Working with the global marine community, the IMarEST promotes the scientific development of marine engineering, science and technology, providing opportunities for the exchange of ideas and practices and upholding the status, standards and expertise of marine professionals worldwide.
The IMarEST has a growing network of Corporate Marine Partners who benefit from a tailored programme to support each global organisation’s specific requirements. Packages provide companies with a competitive edge by investing in staff and supporting Initial and Continuous Professional Development, supporting local, national, or international promotional programmes, providing specialised recruitment solutions, accrediting training courses, creating bespoke networking events and providing company employees with access to one of the largest online knowledge resources – the IMarEST Virtual Library.
The IMarEST is a respected authority in every maritime country. It is a Non-Governmental Organisation with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), observer status at the International Oceanographic Commission, and it has special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), which facilitates its access to other international intergovernmental meetings where its specialized marine expertise is of particular use, e.g., the United Nations meetings on Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) and the work of the International Seabed Authority on marine mining. It is a nominated and licensed body of the Engineering Council (UK), a member of the Science Council and has significant links with many other maritime organisations worldwide.
IMarEST runs a series of industry leading and technically excellent events and conferences as well as publishing internationally recognised publications: Marine Engineers Review (MER); Shipping World and Shipbuilder; Maritime IT and Electronics; Marine Scientist; and Offshore Technology. www.imarest.org
About Matchtech
Matchtech, the UK’s number 1 engineering recruitment agency, has 29 years’ experience in Engineering & Technology recruitment. With over 170 recruitment consultants, Matchtech is equipped to service your niche capability across the automotive, aerospace, marine, infrastructure, technology, energy and science sectors.
Our specialist consultants are supported by over 85 members of shared services and senior management. Our turnover in 2011/12 was £371m. www.matchtech.com
