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Merseyside college to provide skills for Superport

Bootle-based Hugh Baird College is launching a specialist academy to train skilled workers for the new £1.8bn Liverpool City Region Superport project.

College principal and chief executive Yana Williams said the training facility, to be called ‘Port Academy Liverpool’ is scheduled to open at the college in September.

It will provide a one-stop shop for port operations and courses related to maritime logistics.

Designed to expand the freight and passenger capacity of the Mersey, the Superport transport and logistics strategy is expected to radically enhance the region’s maritime sector.

The project will see £350m invested in the docks less than a mile from the Bootle college, with projects including the Liverpool2 deepwater container terminal scheduled to open in 2015.

Port Academy Liverpool has been developed with support from regional and national maritime sector organisations as well as local employers who have a vested interest in ensuring the success of the port.

Programmes for 14 to16-year-olds, as well as 16 years and above, will form part of the curriculum. Apprenticeships will also be offered, as well as foundation degrees and professional accreditations.

Said Yana Williams: “We have been working on plans for many months alongside maritime sector specialists to launch a dedicated port academy for Liverpool.

“The Superport investment presents a glittering opportunity to drive economic growth and social enhancement in our community. We are keen to maximise this opportunity for local people.

“Crucially we want to ignite passion for the maritime sector among the younger generations who stand to benefit from the Superport development.”

Hugh Baird College is working with several partners to deliver the educational package, including the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Women in International Shipping and Trade.

It is also in discussions with the Royal Navy, CBI North West and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation.

Local organisations lending support include the region’s maritime trade sector body, Mersey Maritime, and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .