Progress report for
Improving worldwide recruitment and retention of young people into the marine sector to ensure protection of the ocean for future generations
Achievement at a glance
YEAR 1 UPDATE: June 2017 December 2018To ensure global blue growth is undertaken sustainably and safely there will be an ever-increasing need for recruitment into the marine sector. There is a key requirement for all entrants into the industry to have a broad multidisciplinary skillset - be it engineers, scientists or technologists working in industries such as shipping, offshore energy, fisheries or within research labs, academic institutions or in government offices to solve the many issues facing the oceans.
In order to facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry and support the implementation of SDG 14, individuals embarking on a marine-related career must be able to apply such a multidisciplinary perspective, while appreciating the backdrop of socio-economics, environmental sustainability and ethical issues that are intertwined with the sector.
While joining such a dynamic and fast-paced industry is no doubt exciting, it can be a daunting endeavour and will require the brightest minds who are educated and trained to the highest of standards to achieve the sectors ambitious goals. As such, the IMarEST seeks to improve worldwide marine recruitment and retention, whilst improving and upholding the highest of professional standards across the sector.
To achieve this, it provides students and early career professionals both financial and developmental support to ensure that they are properly equipped with all the resources they need to achieve their ambitions during their education and beyond as they start their careers. In addition, it encourages students on all marine-related academic courses to engage in continuing professional development from an early stage in their education to maintain a high standard throughout their lives.
Challenges faced in implementation
Not applicableBeneficiaries
Students the provision of learning resources and developmental opportunities support students throughout their education to give them an enhanced knowledge base for when they enter the workplace. Financial assistance ensures that disadvantaged individuals are not hindered from accessing any educational opportunities that may enable them to succeed. All students are provided with additional information through their membership to help prepare them for their exams and coursework. Utilising the benefits of free IMarEST membership allows students to best prepare themselves as they enter the world of work and get a head start over other graduates.
Educational institutions accreditation and the industry-wide recognition of teaching excellence that IMarEST accreditations can grant helps qualifying establishments to attract top students who will be assured of an education to the highest of standards. Furthermore, providing free membership benefits to an institution's students can enrich the course content of their degree programme, expanding the array of learning resources that lecturers have at their disposal.
Wider marine community will benefit by receiving a constant influx of talented individuals that will utilise their extensive knowledge to support blue growth and conservation of the marine environment while implementing UN SDG 14. Furthermore, employers can feel sure that future employees coming from accredited institutions are taught to exacting standards and are competent, high-performing individuals.
Actions
Deliverable 1- The IMarEST continues to offer free membership to all students, cadets and apprentices over the age of 18, who are enrolled in a recognised course at a recognised institution. This has resulted in a 42% increase in its young member population since June 2017, recruiting 2,960 marine students to its membership base.
- The IMarEST also has a dedicated accreditation scheme, to ensure that the next generation of marine professionals is taught to the highest standards. Since June 2017, 16 university/college marine courses have been accredited for their excellence in teaching standards, increasing the total number of IMarEST accredited courses to 114.
Deliverable 2
- The IMarEST has launched its graduate pathway offering all graduating students, apprentices and cadets a reduced membership rate, which is further reduced for those residing in Less Developed Countries.
- Professional development guidance and opportunities have been offered to its younger members through interim registration, research publishing opportunities and the use of IMarEST Echo the IMarESTs CPD monitoring tool.
- Student sections have also been launched - sponsored groups of students that promote the marine sector within their university or college and are supported in hosting activities themselves in partnership with a local IMarEST branch, their university, college or local industry.
- A number of awards, grants and bursaries are offered to young members to assist them during their early careers. From June 2017 December 2018, the IMarEST has presented 22 individuals with awards.