Apprenticeships
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Apprenticeships
Back in 2017, several TSA members were reporting increasing difficulties to recruit maritime professionals especially new starters. The industry was running the risk that the skilled workforce was nearing retirement and there was not enough interest among the younger generation to follow in their footsteps.
The TSA, therefore commissioned and created an apprenticeship scheme tailored to the needs of the employers on the river Thames and other tidal inland waterways to support the specific industry needs for a Boatmaster and Maritime Engineer apprenticeship. In 2017 the TSA Apprenticeship scheme was launched. Hear why the scheme is a win-win for employers and apprentices.
The TSA supports both employers and apprentices throughout the apprenticeship. We do this by working with employers to develop the apprenticeships, by helping to attract suitable apprentices and working closely with the training providers to ensure the apprenticeships are well managed and meet the needs of employers and apprentices.
TSA continues to work hard to raise the profile of the industry and of apprenticeships. We also provide support to apprentices by offering insights into working on the Thames such as site visits to others on the Thames such as the PLA’s Harbour Service Launch and the London Fire Brigade.
We are particularly proud of the changes we are encouraging. We also provide a platform for female apprentices through the Women on the Water network to encourage a peer network. Over the last years, the apprenticeship scheme helped to contribute to a more diverse future of the maritime sector. Recent figures showcase the positive trend to more diversity in the sector with 9% of all apprentices being female and 6% coming from a BAME background, compared to the industry figures of 4% and 0.5% respectively.
"We are proud of what we achieved together with our trusted training providers SeaRegs Training and South Essex College and are eager to continue to inspire more young people to start a great career on the river. The apprenticeship scheme is open to everyone, member or non-member. We actively invite employers along the river to contact us to speak about their needs to recruit their maritime specialists of the future. Let' have a conversation on how the TSA can support you and the next generation of the workforce on the river." says Katherine Riggs, CEO of the TSA.
The Boatmaster Apprenticeship The Maritime Engineering Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship types and qualifications
At the TSA we promote and support two different level 3 apprenticeship schemes. The first is the Boatmaster Apprenticeship and the second is the Maritime Engineering Apprenticeship. Find out more about qualifications and syllabus.
Enrolment and participating employers
Find out how to join the apprenticeship schemes and see the list of some of the employers already benefiting from them.
Costs and financial support
The best time to hire an apprentice is now! Government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) heavily supports your investment and additional support is available until 30th September 2021.
FAQ of apprentices
The FAQ provide a good overview for employees
Feedback from apprentices and employers
The apprenticeship schemes, created by TSA and employers, are all about keeping traditions alive, creating jobs and supporting the Watermen of the future. Hear what employers and apprentices have to say.
Link library
Find further useful information, all links on one page and our video library here.
For more information please contact the Thames Skills Academy via email training@thamesacademy.london or call 01322 917 550.