Collaboration at the Heart of Maritime Skills Development

The strength of the UK’s maritime sector lies in its ability to work together, and this was clearly demonstrated at the latest Maritime Skills Alliance (MSA) Quarterly Meeting, hosted at HMS President in London last week (24 June).

The MSA brings together a wide cross-section of the maritime sector, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in shaping the future skills landscape. Representatives from Department for Transport, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Royal Navy, Sea Fish Industry Authority, Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Merchant Navy Training Board, International Association of Maritime Institutions and The Work Boat Association, joined Thames Skills Academy and others to address shared challenges and opportunities. 

Thames Skills Academy is proud to contribute to this collaborative network, working alongside partners to support a skilled, resilient and future-ready maritime workforce. With a packed agenda, discussions focused on key priorities for the sector, including apprenticeships, qualifications, and funding for training and careers.  A thought-provoking presentation from Bethany Windsor of Logistics UK highlighted the strong alignment between maritime and the wider logistics sector, reinforcing the need for continued partnership working across industries. 

Commenting on the meeting, our CEO, Dr Katherine Riggs, said: “The Maritime Skills Alliance provides a vital forum for open, face-to-face dialogue across our sector, where ideas are shared in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. These discussions, both formal and informal, are essential to further inland waterways needs.  By driving collective progress, we are helping ensure the maritime workforce is equipped with the skills needed now and in the future”.