Hampshire students and businesses come together at inaugural careers day

Over 200 students from 18 schools and more than a dozen top businesses from across Hampshire came together last week for the Solent region’s first careers day dedicated to the maritime and transport sectors.

The inaugural event – organised by the Maritime and Transport Careers Programme (MTCP) – saw students get a firsthand look at potential career paths and chat with industry professionals from prominent companies.

Local schools and colleges – including Mountbatten School and Henry Court Community College, were connected with Solent’s leading employers, with the aim to inspire a new generation of talent and showcase the wide variety of career opportunities in both sectors.

Held at ABP’s Ocean Terminal in Southampton, the event offered pupils and teachers alike the chance to meet with MTCP members including ABP, DP World, Carnival, Red Funnel, Meachers Global Logistics and Southampton Airport, as well as Tesla.

To engage the young attendees and spark their interest in the exciting array of job prospects, ABP showcased its cutting-edge VR headsets, providing a fully immersive experience for the career hopefuls.

Also in attendance was South Hampshire College Group which demonstrated its Tech:Truck, featuring augmented reality systems, marine and flight simulation technologies, fully programmable robotic arms, drones, 3D printers and more.

Katie Bruce, Engagement Officer for the Maritime & Transport Careers Programme, said: “Welcoming so many pupils and their teachers to our first careers day and giving them a real insight into the fantastic career prospects available with our region was truly inspiring.

“This was the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the huge variety of jobs on offer right on their doorstep and help attract fresh talent needed to future-proof Solent’s impressive maritime and transport industries.”

In addition to the maritime and transport technological advances, attendees also took part in speed networking and apprentice Q&A sessions, providing the opportunity for everyone to learn more about what’s on offer within the sectors.

Sindy Shakya, Head of Careers at The Mountbatten School in Romsey, said: “As a school we are very keen to show students the many opportunities available to them on their doorstep.

“With the maritime industry predicted to grow five per cent in 2025, it is important to make students aware of the different jobs and careers they can pursue in both the maritime and logistics industry and raise the profile of both sectors.

“Today’s event at the ABP Cruise Terminal enabled students to have valuable conversations with different employers as well as trying their hands on the different equipment at the event.

“A big thank you to the organisers and employers present and we hope to attend again next year.”

A total of 18 secondary schools from across Hampshire and the New Forest, including both mainstream and SEND institutions, attended the event.