Tees Maritime Cluster will help shape future of our 'hidden industry'

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG IN SECTOR FULL OF INVESTMENT

- By DANIEL HODGSON

EDUCATORS and industry came together at the launch of the Tees Maritime Cluster in Middlesbrough.

The event, which took place at the Port of Middlesbrough on Wednesday, May 7, brought together regional employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to celebrate the Cluster’s formation and outline its strategic goals.

Rooted in the region's maritime history, the Tees Maritime Cluster brings stakeholders together in a collective effort to shape the future of the maritime sector and the communities it serves.

By showcasing the wide range of careers within the sector, from engineering and shipping to AI, automation, and green innovation, the Cluster aims to inspire young people and build a future-ready workforce that reflects the full potential of Teesside.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Jo Vinton-Bullwinkel, Operations Director at Tees Maritime Cluster, explained that she had come from outside the maritime industry herself and how work needs to be done to highlight this “hidden” industry.

Ms Vinton-Bullwinkel didn’t want the young people of the region thinking that if they want an “amazing” career that they need to leave Teesside to do so, but “they probably do think that right now and that's kind of heartbreaking”.

She said that despite being from Teesside, she had left when she was 18 as she didn’t think there were opportunities in the area. “It was moving away that made me realise how proud I was of the area and how much it did have to offer”.

Ms Vinton-Bullwinkel explained that from speaking to the industry, she understands that they are keen to offer work experience and apprenticeships and that colleges are on board as long as there is an appetite.