Blog post: PSS contributes to ministerial roundtable on maritime skills

Debbie Cavaldoro, Chief Executive of PSS, took part in a roundtable meeting with Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP, hosted by Fleetwood Nautical College.

The meeting brought together representatives from across the UK maritime sector, including several PSS members, to discuss future skills needs and how government can support ongoing development in this area.

Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including career pathways, apprenticeships, qualifications, and the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the sector.

On behalf of PSS and its membership, Debbie raised the importance of standardising port qualifications across the devolved nations to support workforce mobility and consistency. She also highlighted the growing opportunities presented by the offshore and renewable energy sectors, and the potential these have to create new career routes and drive upskilling within ports.

Debbie stressed the need for government to support the sector as the drive to renewable energy increases and help to raise its profile to attract new talent. The need for new entrants will become vital as existing workers upskill to take advantage of these new opportunities, to prevent a new skills gaps emerging.

PSS will continue to work closely with members, partners and policymakers to drive forward the safety and skills agenda across the UK ports industry.