Lady Hamlyn Award presented for outstanding commitment to professional development
The IMarEST is delighted to announce that Amanda Mackie has won the 2019 Lady Hamlyn Award. The Lady Hamlyn award is aimed at apprentices who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their professional development in the marine sector, which is evident in Amanda’s commitment during her SPD Marine Engineering cadetship. She is in Phase 5 of the cadetship, having excelled through the first two years of college and eight months at sea. She has been offered a position as a Junior Engineer after qualifying from her course and will progress to 3rd Engineer after 6-8 months of qualifying. Amanda aims to progress to obtain her 2nd Engineer CoC and then Chief Engineer CoC.
“This award has helped buy me essential time to study and reduce my part time working hours so that I can prepare fully for my OOW orals. IMarEST are a massive part of my cadetship and have provided support for people in STEM industries for years. Their seminars are informative, engaging and hosted by experts in their fields. I will continue to stay a member of IMarEST throughout my career.” Amanda Mackie, Marine Engineering Cadet
Apprenticeships: an innovative solution for the skills gap
In all career sectors, the next generation of professionals is essential for the long term success and sustainability of the industry. Apprenticeships can provide exciting opportunities for people entering marine engineering, science and technology.
Around the world, there is a shortage of STEM professionals which ultimately affects the economy. In the UK, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers suggests this shortage costs £1.5 billion each year. Vacancies for highly skilled roles will double over the next decade, yet 89% of businesses already struggle to recruit STEM positions. Apprenticeships, however, could be an innovative solution to developing a skilled workforce.
Apprenticeships provide a mutually advantageous process for the organisation and people entering the industry; both employer and apprentice can work collaboratively to develop a skill set that is beneficial for both. Data suggests organisations with apprenticeship programmes have higher levels of staff commitment and retention rates, this could be due to the organisation demonstrating their commitment to developing the workforce to their employees or as apprenticeships enable organisations to train staff accordingly to the company’s goals or values.
Across many sectors, the skills shortage issue could be countered with opening industries to a broad pool of talent. Currently, women, people with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are underrepresented in science and engineering. Apprenticeships can provide employment opportunities for these groups and could help counter the growing skills gap.