The problem of recruiting young talent: young talent wanted for maritime professions

In the first week of May in Hamburg, more than 80 school students learnt about training opportunities and career paths in the maritime industry. To the event "Future course - your opportunities in the maritime world"

companies and organisations in the industry had invited young people to the event - and had come up with a number of ideas, as the press office of the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany reported. The young people came with different expectations. Some were still undecided, others had clear plans. Some had signed up straight away, showing clear career aspirations, e.g. captain on a cruise ship, while others first tried out the ship simulator. They were given an insight into the bridge and engine room by the crew of the fishing vessel "Meerkatze". But not everyone was equally enthusiastic. "Three months on a ship - that's definitely not for me," summarised one student who wants to become an electrician.

At sea and on land

But the maritime industry also offers numerous prospects on land. For example, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) - another stop on the rally - in various technical and commercial professions. "Anyone who loves the sea but doesn't want to go to sea will find the right job with us," explained HPA recruiter Nadine Mikolasch. Inland shipping, which also presented itself, also offers exciting alternatives. To get more young people interested in a career in shipbuilding, the industry is working hard to promote its image and recruit young talent. One of the platforms offered by the industry is the Association for Shipbuilding and Marine Technology (VSM).

At the VSM press conference on 20 May, Managing Director Dr Reinhard Lüken

on a new platform: With Maritime Zukunft, the VSM is tackling the problem of young talent in the maritime industry. Maritime Zukunft is a platform that familiarises prospective students, trainees and school pupils with the maritime industry and thus opens up attractive career paths. The website provides potential young talent with information on various maritime degree programmes and locations as well as on apprenticeships and companies. https://www.maritimezukunft.de/

Applications at an all-time low

The entire shipbuilding industry and the maritime authorities continue to struggle with a significant shortage of applicants. According to the IG Metall shipbuilding survey 2024, 52.4 % of companies were unable to fill all the training places on offer. On average, there were only six applicants for one position. Industrial-technical professions such as "shipbuilding construction mechanic" and "plant mechanic" are particularly affected. In contrast, there are sufficient qualified applicants for dual study programmes (26.9 % share). The trainee ratio is currently 5.2 % and thus at a low. According to the industry, there is not always a good match between training opportunities and applicants. It is not just a lack of applicants, but also the lack of suitability of many candidates. In addition, the image of the industry often does not appear attractive enough. Many young people and their parents do not see any long-term prospects in shipbuilding and opt for other professions. Career guidance at schools is often inadequate, and the lack of vocational school teachers makes training even more difficult. While short-term applications are increasing and social media campaigns are showing initial success, direct contact remains the most effective way of recruiting. Training fairs are perceived as less productive, as many applicants appear ill-prepared. There has been good experience with support programmes for those with learning difficulties and people with disabilities.

Industry, the German Navy and all seagoing authorities are courting applicants!

Do you remember the ZDF series "Küstenwache" from 1997 to 2016? Even though the actors were atypical and the story was not very realistic, it is fondly remembered in federal police circles. It brought in many applicants. The navy even operates an advertising platform, a minesweeper, to inspire young people. The German Navy has a precarious personnel shortage for seagoing professions. Yet the navy is highly attractive in terms of its proximity to the coast and flexibility: from seafaring to flying, engineering to IT. Everything is possible and training is available everywhere.