The Maritime Skills Commission, supported by Maritime UK and the Department for Transport, has today launched in partnership with Cornwall Marine Network its much awaited ‘Skills for Green Jobs’ Report. This piece of research has produced a number of recommendations outlining and identifying the green skills gaps and needs of the sector.

This report was launched during an online session on Tuesday 25th June presented by Kit Williams, the Sustainability Skills Manager for Cornwall Marine Network. Kit was appointed by MSC and CMN to lead on the workstream and is the author of this report.

The ‘Skills for Green Jobs’ workstream is part-funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the European Social Fund (ESF), and delivered via the Maritime Skills Commission (MSC) and Cornwall Marine Network (CMN).

Kit Williams said: “Through collaboration between Cornwall Marine Network and the Maritime Skills Commission, I have had the privilege to investigate the existing demand and supply of sustainability/green skills training provision within the marine sector across the UK.

“I have encountered some fantastic, innovative success stories which not only showcased the progressive and ambitious endeavours of the UK’s marine sector, but have shone a spotlight on the importance and inclusion of green skills throughout various careers within the sector, from admin roles to engineering and shipbuilding.”

The outcomes of the workstream are:

• To build on existing and emerging knowledge of gaps in current training provision.
• Lead on the development of green add-on courses for the maritime sector, including accredited and non-accredited qualifications and Apprenticeships.
• Produce a comprehensive matrix to map what is known of Green Skills for the maritime sector. This matrix will become a national resource and will identify gaps and inform the development of new / enhanced training courses.

The matrix will be a unique resource for the UK’s maritime sector, as well as for all business sectors as a whole.

Paul Wickes MBE, CEO of Cornwall Marine Network, said:

“CMN is delighted to be supporting the Maritime Skills Commission as they lead the UK maritime sector green skills transition to net zero.

“We all recognise the maritime sector faces considerable challenges in meeting the future demand for green jobs and putting in place the skills required. Under the excellent leadership of Graham Baldwin, the Maritime Skills Commission is now leading the skills developments of the Department for Transport Maritime 2050 strategy to understand the skills needs of the sector, ensure the industry addresses skills shortages and gaps, and ensure the sector has the training provision it needs with clear information on career paths and re-training options.

“The Skills For Green Jobs Report is the next important milestone in the MSC journey and their commitment to weaving the green skills agenda throughout its scheme of work, with a focus on understanding what ‘green skills’ mean to the different parts of the maritime sector.”

Notes to Editors:

For Further information or any questions, please contact: Sam Winters – Strategic Marketing and Communications – Cornwall Marine Network Group – sam.winters@cornwallmarine.net