South Shields Marine School named as a finalist in Maritime UK Awards

South Shields Marine School has been named as one of the best in the UK’s £40bn maritime sector after being shortlisted in the first ever Maritime UK Awards. South Shields Marine School has been shortlisted in the Rising Star and STEM Award categories after impressing industry judges.

South Shields Marine School, part of Tyne Coast College, is the UK’s oldest merchant maritime training centre, whose origins stretch back to 1861. The Marine School is a major provider of Deck, Engine and Electro Technical training for Merchant Marine Cadet, Senior Officer Certification and Maritime Safety Training. With a global reputation for excellence, South Shields Marine School exports World Class maritime skills and training attracting candidates to the UK from all over the world.

The Rising Star award was open to someone whose contribution has made a real and positive impact on the business. The STEM award was open to a business of any size, and was looking for a business that demonstrated exceptional true commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

“Our nomination as a finalist in the Rising Star and STEM award category of the inaugural Maritime UK Awards is a true testament of our vision to be at the forefront of developments within the maritime sector. We are committed to focusing the drive and dedication of our staff and students, providing support to enable them to achieve success in their careers and fostering a culture of innovation to support the changing needs of the sector - John Roach, Principal, South Shields Marine School.

At South Shields Marine School, our highly experienced team delivers an extensive vocational training curriculum for deck and engine room ratings, deck, engine and electrical officers, maritime apprenticeships, maritime degrees and mandatory safety training courses, and experts in supporting qualified professionals with updated knowledge to meet new regulatory requirements.

Ben Murray, Director of Maritime UK said: “Our judges have been blown away by the quality of entries in these inaugural awards. The bar really has been set high and the panel have had a difficult task whittling it down to the final shortlist. Those who have been named as finalists should be very proud.”

Stuart Baker, Head of Local Growth at the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Chair of the Maritime UK Regional Council, added: “We’ve always known the maritimes industries are innovative, but these award submissions have really affirmed that. We’ve seen some really interesting work that’s taking place and we can’t wait to unveil the winners in September.”

South Shields Marine School (SSMS) developed a preparatory programme in 2013, which provides students with the skills required to gain employment in the maritime sector. SSMS were the first college to develop this innovative pre-cadetship programme, which educates learners in a range of STEM topics related to marine engineering and nautical science. We are extremely passionate about inspiring young people to engage with STEM subjects and highlight the career opportunities in the marine engineering and nautical science sectors.

Our Rising Star award is dedicated to a female lecturer, Josslynne Brown, who is a shining example for young women in the maritime sector. Having experienced life at sea for herself, she has taken an exceptionally active role to promote the opportunities available to young women, not only at sea but in the wider maritime sector ashore.

The Maritime UK Awards are being hosted by the Solent LEP and winners will be announced at the awards dinner at Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour on 19 September, as thousands of people flock to the city for the Southampton International Boat Show.

For more information on the awards, visit www.maritimeuk.org/awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by South Shields Marine School, part of Tyne Coast College .