When I was asked to join the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) route panel for Transport and Logistics, which includes the Maritime sector, whilst I certainly knew about the maritime industry and education, I felt as though I didn’t know as much about apprenticeships.

So, with the support of my organisation, Blackpool and The Fylde College, I decided to do an apprenticeship myself.

Whilst mine wasn’t a Maritime apprenticeship, it was a Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship with an MSc; it had an added advantage. As well as providing me with the important senior leader knowledge, skills and behaviours, it also gave me a much better understanding of the various aspects of the apprenticeship system. This has helped me in my day-to-day role when dealing with apprenticeships, and also in my current role as Chair of the IFATE route panel.

When I used to tell people I was an apprentice, they used to look quite surprised, but I would encourage anyone either in or looking to progress into a management or leadership role to consider an apprenticeship as part of their continuing professional development.

The apprenticeship was a valuable experience that combined the theory with practical application in my workplace, as my research project was completed around the use of simulation in training programmes.

So, if, like I was, you are unsure of any of the aspects of an apprenticeship and want to know more, then reach out and find out.

Neil Atkinson

Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus
MNTB Main Board Member
Chair of IFATE Route Panel for Transport and Logistics

Learn more about Careers at Sea or find out more about Apprenticeship opportunities.