New ICS programme targets schools

Last week saw the launch by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICSB) South Africa of a new education programme, High Tide. It's designed to create awareness among school children of the shipping industry and to highlight the various career path possibilities. The High Tide programme includes an eight-week afterschool cadet training programme, a 12-week pre-employment programme to prepare pupils for apprenticeships and/or employment, as well as a two-week work placement scheme over the holidays. Bruce Ogilvy, vice president of the ICSB, told FTW that the programme was first launched in the north east of England 18 months ago where unemployment is about 40%. The programme started with 12 students from one school and now has 200 school children from eight schools participating, said Ogilvy, noting that the participating schools’ principals will select the pupils they think are eligible, or have the potential, to participate. “The children come from underprivileged backgrounds and have no concept of the shipping industry and the employment and training opportunities it offers,” commented Ogilvy, adding that once they’re enrolled in the programme, the children show diligence and commitment. He recounted a story of a 16-year-old girl who showed great promise as a student but dropped out of school and became addicted to drugs. Her school principal recommended her for the programme and she managed to get drug-free while working on work placement programme on board a cargo ship travelling from the UK to Russia. “She is now enrolled in one of the advanced ICSB courses and intends to make a career in the shipping industry,” said Ogilvy. Some South African schools are already offering shipping programmes so it made sense to launch it here, noted Ogilvy. He added that the ICSB had seen a 10% rise in demand for ICSB training worldwide, with 2 600 students completing some form of training last year. INSERT & CAPTION Programme designed to create awareness among school children of the shipping industry. – Bruce Ogilvy