News
New Maritime Careers and Training Podcast Series Launched to Inspire the Next Generation of Maritime Professionals
6th November 2025
Maritime careers are at the heart of British Maritime Training & Assessment’s (BMTA) latest initiative - a dedicated podcast series designed to open up maritime career opportunities to as many people as possible.
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The Maritime Careers and Training podcast features a series of episodes, including The Cadet Diaries, which showcase the diverse pathways and inspiring journeys within the maritime sector, featuring real-life stories which provide invaluable insights and motivation for the next generation of seafarers and those already working in the industry.
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Owen Davies, Partner at BMTA, explained how the initiative started: “Our mission at BMTA is to help more people access maritime training and the huge career opportunities there are in the global maritime industry. There’s no better way to do thisthen to hear from cadets and industry professionals who can truly share their experiences, expectations and their enthusiasm about a career at sea and ashore.”
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The podcast series shines a spotlight on the challenges and triumphs experienced by experienced seafarers, maritime professionals as well as cadets and current apprentices across a wide range of disciplines. It examines different routes into the industry, offers guidance on managing a work life balance and tips for wellbeing at sea and ashore. The series shares personal insights, practical advice, and reflections through in-depth discussions with guests from leading organisations such as Just Be Maritime, Carnival UK, Fred Olsen, Watermark, Marella Cruises and Maritime London.
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Owen continues: “The maritime sector is one of the UK’s success stories, and to continue on this course, the industry must continually attract talented and dedicated professionals to meet its growing needs. I hope our new podcast series will encourage people to consider a maritime career and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities available across this dynamic industry.”
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The BMTA Maritime Careers and Training Podcast series is available at:
British Maritime Training & Assessment Recognised for Driving Maritime Talent Across the South
24th October 2025
British Maritime Training & Assessment (BMTA) has become the first organisation outside of Hampshire to win a prestigious Maritime Solent Award.​The Poole-based training provider earned the Future Skills – Small Business accolade for its outstanding contribution to developing the maritime sector’s workforce and supporting long-term regional growth. It was also a finalist in the Start-Up of the Year category.
Owen Davies, Founder and Partner at BMTA, was delighted with the announcement: “We’ve come so far in such a short space of time, and we are truly honoured to be recognised in this way by the maritime industry.
​“Our vision is to devise and deliver independent, relevant and affordable training and assessment for the maritime sector to help organisations be the best they possibly can.It is extremely rewarding to help skilled and talented people make the most of the rewarding career opportunities the sector has to offer.”​
British Maritime Training & Assessment is an independent specialist assessor and trainer in the maritime sector, working with industry partners to deliver a range of marine electrical and engineering courses, bespoke company courses and Engineering and Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet services. Earlier this month, it launched its third cohort of Government funded Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamps to deliver specialised marine electrical engineering expertise through an intensive 10-week programme. The course is at capacity, and registrations are now open for the next cohort starting in January 2026.​
The winners of the Maritime Solent Awards were announced on 23 October. Stuart Baker, Chief Executive of Maritime Solent, said: “A heartfelt congratulations to our winners of the Maritime Solent Awards 2025. The Awards evening was the ultimate showcase of maritime skill, talent, leadership and innovation and it was an honour to host a prestigious platform enabling maritime businesses to be celebrated for their successes over the last year.”
Specialist Bootcamp Aims to Bridge Maritime Skills Gap in the South
20 October 2025
Twelve aspiring marine electricians have officially launched their journey into an exciting maritime career, as they begin the country's only dedicated Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp - a bespoke 10-week programme designed to tackle the South’s skills gaps in the maritime sector.
While the UK Government funds a wide range of Skills Bootcamps to meet local industry demands, this particular course stands alone in its focus: delivering the specialised electrical engineering expertise required for maritime careers.
Delivered by British Maritime Training & Assessment (BMTA) and Fareport Training, the 10-week course is designed to equip those with an electrical or mechanical background with the skills to enable them to transition into the maritime sector and a wealth of new career opportunities. Modules include nautical terminology, marine electronics and - Official - navigation equipment and, for those taking part who are self-employed, the course guarantees support in producing an effective business plan.
Owen Davies, Partner at BMTA, highlights the bootcamp’s appeal: “We’re seeing interest from both newcomers to the sector and those already working in the industry who want to progress. Maritime businesses are using this as a strategic tool to upskill their teams, future-proof their operations, and ensure they’re equipped for the evolving demands of the industry.”
One graduate of BMTA's Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp who went on to secure a permanent role at Berthon in Lymington, said of the course: "This has been an incredible opportunity to upskill and gain a fantastic insight into the marine industry. The programme is well organised and structured, with regular communication to ensure participants aren’t left behind. The teaching of subject matter is informative and interesting, with the practical days offering the chance to put theory into practise in the marine environment. All the staff have gone above and beyond to tailor the programme to suit individual needs. Having successfully completed the course I now have a realistic prospect of gaining employment."
Established in 2023, British Maritime Training & Assessment (BMTA) is an independent specialist assessor and trainer in the maritime sector. Owen Davies, Partner at BMTA, explains the organisation’s mission: “One of our main motivations is to help more people access maritime training and the huge opportunities there are in the industry. This bootcamp is a great example of how we can open up these opportunities to more people, whatever their background.”
British Maritime Training & Assessment is now taking registrations for the next Marine Electrician Skills Bootcamp starting in January.