On March 6th we were delighted to welcome over 40 young people from 5 schools across Portsmouth to the first Sail Training Trust (STT) Careers Day, hosted by the Andrew Simpson Centre Portsmouth in partnership with Maritime UK Solent.
The day kicked off with talks from Maritime UK Solent, Just Be Maritime and Portsmouth College, along with a workshop from James Ward, Marine Resources, on 'How to Make a Good First Impression'.
This was followed by an afternoon of speed networking where the young people got the chance to speak to individuals from over 20 different organisations and businesses including – boatfolk, Premier Mariners, Royal Navy, Lockheed Martin, Portsmouth International Port, SERCO, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the MOD Police Outreach Team.
Chris Hatter from Portsmouth International Port said,
"Portsmouth International Port were delighted to support PSTT with their Careers Day. The event was very well organised and led to meaningful and impactful conversations with PSTT students. The students found the maritime world to be inspiring, wide in their breadth and full of opportunity. We can't wait to get the students over to the port to see behind the scenes here!"
Ben Standen, a teacher from Miltoncross Academy said,
"It was great to see the students engaging with the business and everyone enjoying themselves. All the students come from different backgrounds and traumas and all struggle in mainstream learning. By attending the PSTT Careers Day they got the chance to learn about possible career paths for them in the future".
Oscar, a student from Miltoncross Academy said,
"I really enjoyed the day learning what I can do in the future".
The day ended with schoolteachers, staff from Portsmouth City Council, and the PSTT Team participating in the speed networking, enabling them to learn more about the opportunities available to young people in the local maritime sector.
Thalia, one of our PSTT Instructors said
"As a PSTT instructor the speed networking event was a great opportunity to learn more about the career opportunities available to young people in the local maritime sector. I will now be able to share this information with all PSTT participants. A few site visits and work experience opportunities came out of the evening as well which is super exciting. It was also great to hear how the students interacted and engaged with the different companies and to see them so interested in the pathways out there".
Thank you to all the businesses, organisations, and friends of PSTT who attended the day and made it such a great success. Together we will raise aspirations for young people.
