Creating Career Pathways in the Maritime Industry

Recently, Anita Kauffmann, Board Member for ISA, had the privilege of visiting Svitzer’s Port of Newcastle base in Australia. She heard how Svitzer continues to champion workforce development through a range of innovative programs designed to attract and train the next generation of maritime professionals. From Engineer Trainee Programs in Darwin, Bunbury, Dampier, Port Pirie, and Geraldton, to school-based initiatives like Float Your Boat, and Navy transition programs, these pathways provide hands-on experience and clear entry points into the industry.

Svitzer now offers dedicated training pathways for both Masters and Engineers, developed in partnership with the Australian Maritime College (AMC). These pathways provide a clear, structured process for career progression and give crew greater flexibility by reducing the need for extended classroom-based training, allowing them to continue working in their roles while advancing their qualifications.

Building Pathways for the Next Generation

A special highlight of recent industry engagement was the opportunity for Anita to meet local Marine Pilot Mark Webb during his Annual Tug Observation requirement, alongside his daughter Emma Webb, who is currently studying her General Purpose Hand qualification. 

Another example was to hear from Lauren Munro about the growing interest among local students in the Float Your Boat training program, particularly the high number of female applicants. This trend reflects a positive shift toward diversity and inclusion within the maritime sector.

Svitzer’s approach goes beyond traditional training. By combining hands-on experience with digital technologies, the company is creating sustainable career pathways that prioritise safety, efficiency, and long-term industry growth. These initiatives ensure that the next generation of maritime professionals is equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Maritime Career Information

ISA project Maritime Career Information aimed at developing comprehensive career information for job roles and pathways in the maritime industry. This project seeks to support the attraction and retention of workers in a sector facing critical labour and skills shortages.

Maritime career and learning pathways are often complex and poorly understood, compounded by the absence of a comprehensive and authoritative source of career information. This makes it difficult for current and prospective workers to understand employment prospects and growth opportunities within the industry.

Given these challenges, ISA is committed to establishing relevant, up-to-date resources about career opportunities, skills and training requirements, and learning pathways in the maritime sector.

The project aims to deliver Com Comprehensive career information, occupational profiles and career and learning pathways for key maritime occupations and design for a broad range of stakeholders from school leavers to the current qualified seafarers.