Seawork, the commercial marine exhibition, held in Southampton’s Mayflower Park, welcomed over 300 students from across the region and beyond on its last day, Thursday 12 June.
The Training and Careers Day offered the students and their leaders unique opportunities to explore commercial marine careers and jobs opportunities through a Careers Fairs, speaker sessions, activities with the Workboat Association and the TECH+TOUR truck and a tour of Seawork’s marina, dive tank and exhibitor stands.
The Careers Fair provided students with the chance to meet exhibitors from across the industry. From marine engineering and shipbuilding to offshore energy and maritime logistics, the young attendees were introduced to the diverse and exciting career paths available within the sector. Exhibitors provided valuable insights, advice, and real-world examples to help students understand how their interests and skills could translate into exciting roles in the marine industry.
A highlight of the day were the Commercial Marine’s Got Talent sessions – featuring inspiring personal stories from professionals across the industry, designed to bring the sector to life through real experiences and powerful messages. Joe Reeves, an apprentice commercial diver, shared his experience, “I’ve worked both underwater and above, I’ve never been bored. It can be tough at times, but there’s always room to grow.” Shelley Jory-Leigh was representing Trinity House, the maritime charity which offers bursaries to young people to enter the marine industry. She is also a world record powerboat champion and captivated the audience with her energy and passion, “Whatever job you think you want to do, it can be done in the marine industry,” she told students. “I stumbled into this world by chance, and now I’m running powerboating teams who compete on the motorways of the sea!”
From hands-on demonstrations to engaging conversations, Seawork’s Training and Careers Day was designed to inspire, inform, and ignite curiosity – and it delivered. The students left with fresh ideas, practical information, and a new appreciation for an industry which is filled with innovation, adventure, and opportunity.
