The unique maritime training development facility in Dover
***HSBC provides £1.55m funding towards new maritime academy***
**20 new courses launched following opening success***
A unique maritime training facility in Dover has launched 20 new training courses following the success of its opening in September.
Supporting the Maritime Skills Academy in the construction of its bespoke training venue, which includes specialist lifeboat safety courses at Ballast Quay, in the Port of Dover, HSBC provided a £1.6 million funding package.
The Academy provides bespoke courses for those entering and working within the maritime industry, including work on cruise ships, superyachts, renewable support vessels and occupations within the oil and gas sector. With the Academy expecting to train over 2,500 participants over the next year, launching the new courses has created 12 new jobs.
Matt Povey, HSBC’s Relationship Director for Corporate Banking in Kent, said: “The Academy is a unique and essential facility for the maritime industry. It meets the demand for expert training within a highly technical field and helps participants on their way to a successful career. We supported the Academy with a significant loan, alongside strategic advice to ensure the funding was maximised to secure the completion of the building. Supporting projects which upskill and provide employment opportunities is intrinsic to HSBC.”
The Academy has launched new helideck courses which include training in emergency procedures, landing, refuelling and aviation awareness. Three new medical courses have also been introduced, which will provide specialist training for medical support at sea.
Mark Jaenicke, HR Director at Maritime Skills Academy, said: “It’s only been a couple of months since we opened the academy but we’ve had significant interest and uptake in our courses. We’re delighted to introduce the new specialist courses, which will provide additional value to our academy. HSBC’s support was absolutely essential for getting this project off the ground and it’s hugely satisfying see it come to fruition. 90% of our new and updated courses are already booked which shows what a crucial and in-demand resource this is.”
Greg Butler-Davies, a crew yacht member at the Academy, added: “I have really enjoyed the new courses and found the facility and training excellent. More importantly, I really feel that I have learned and grown professionally and I can take away valuable skills and knowledge.
I was particularly impressed by the genuine desire demonstrated by all the training staff to maintain a high standard of training, and make the courses worthwhile.”
The Academy’s new lifeboat training centre located at Ballest Quay, Port of Dover, offers courses in Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat and Tender Operations Courses, as well as other associated water-based safety courses for the marine industry.
The HSBC Group
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 4,400 offices in 71 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,557bn at 30 September 2016, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
HSBC Commercial Banking
For 150 years we have been where the growth is, connecting customers to opportunities. Today, HSBC Commercial Banking serves businesses ranging from small enterprises focused primarily on their domestic markets through to corporates operating globally. Whether it is working capital, term loans, trade finance or payments and cash management solutions, we provide the tools and expertise that businesses need to thrive. As the cornerstone of the HSBC Group, we give businesses access to a geographic network covering more than 90% of global trade and capital flows.
For more information see http://www.hsbc.com/about-
