In the Flows magazine around training and careers, we look at how the sector is warming up young people to come on board. The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) is pushing this strongly with some noted initiatives.
The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) brings together all shipowners sailing under the Belgian flag. Besides defending shipowners’ interests, KBRV is also committed to various campaigns to inspire and inform the next generation about the maritime sector. “With our future-oriented vision, we want to attract new talents to our journey towards green and digital shipping,” says communications manager Elle De Soomer, explaining the #SeaYou project.
“#SeaYou is a joint online and offline campaign of the Belgian shipping industry,” says De Soomer. “In this way, we want to inspire and inform the next generation about the many career opportunities in the maritime sector.” The campaign originated in cooperation with the Antwerp Maritime Academy as an idea for an activity tent during the Tall Ships Race.
Did the campaign also produce results? “Absolutely, 100 per cent,” says De Soomer. “It is of course a starting point, but the intention is to develop this initiative even further in the coming months. We want to continue to inspire and sensitise young people to the maritime industry in Belgium.”
Prejudices are everywhere and therefore also towards the maritime industry, but the sector is mainly a great unknown to many – and therefore also to many young people. “Thanks to these campaigns, we can showcase the diversity of jobs and career opportunities,” De Soomer said. Belgian shipping companies offer various opportunities to build a great career. There are numerous positions with important responsibilities aboard ship, but even those without sea legs can build a successful career ashore.
Green and digital shipping
“The maritime sector is an industry in which innovation, variety, adventure and diversity are key,” says De Soomer. “With our forward-looking vision, we want to attract new talents to our journey towards green and digital shipping. This opens the door to many new and innovative roles in the industry. We aim to attract the best to maintain our leading position in the world.”
Those interested in a maritime education can attend the Antwerp Maritime Academy. With the bachelor/master programmes in Nautical Sciences or Marine Engineering (Marine Engineering), you can go either way as a student. All info at www.amacademy.be. You can visit the campus on one of the information days.
