A hands-on maritime careers festival has given students a taste of life working at sea.
More than 75 students took part in Harwich Haven Authority’s (HHA) first-ever A Haven of Opportunities Festival, held last Friday.
The event, included Year 9 pupils from Manningtree High School, Lift Clacton, and Lift Tendring.
The activities included a boat buoyancy challenge and an opportunity to take on the roles of pilots, launch crew members and vessel traffic services officers, guiding a fictional deep-water vessel safely into harbour.
Helen Rudd, sustainability and partnerships director at HHA, said: "Seeing the excitement young people feel for our industry is hugely encouraging. It’s great to see.
"Events like this are crucial in drawing in that next generation of talent and showcasing just how important a role maritime plays in our daily lives here in Essex and Suffolk.
"There are a wealth of opportunities out there and I would encourage anyone looking ahead to their next chapter to consider a career in this flourishing and rewarding industry.
"A huge thank you goes to everyone involved for putting on such a successful event."
Read more
Colchester youngsters receive special bookmarks celebrating nursery rhyme link
Colchester school celebrates season of giving with vibrant harvest assembly
Primary school bounces back to achieve glowing Ofsted report
Exhibitors included RWE, Essex Marine Police, Freeport East, and Boskalis Westminster.
Industry speakers shared insights into roles in pilotage, port operations, engineering, and other maritime sectors.
Philippa Young, careers advisor at Lift Clacton, said: "I just wanted to say thank you so much for the event that you and the team held on Friday.
"The students really enjoyed themselves and it was great to mix it up with talks, structured activities, and the opportunity to explore and talk to employers themselves."
Cathy Theobald, from stallholder, Haltermann Carless, said: "Today was a well-organised event and we were very happy to participate, the students were really engaged and the time allocated seemed spot on.
"Well done to HHA and the team, we would be happy to participate again if needed."
The event was supported by Freeport East.
Details about career opportunities at HHA are available at www.hha.co.uk/about/careers.
Share