Pembrokeshire College’s pioneering Enhanced Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship has been announced as a finalist in the Future Skills category of the UK Maritime Awards.
Delivered in partnership with Warsash Maritime School, the programme is a truly pioneering initiative, and the first Foundation Cadetship in Wales. Developed in a region with rich maritime heritage and tailored for the future of seafaring, this unique programme is actively addressing the growing skills gap in the maritime and marine engineering sectors.
In just one year the programme offers young people a fully-funded pathway into maritime careers – from Deck, Engineering, and Electro-Technical diplomas to Foundation Degrees.
Designed in close collaboration with industry partners, the Pre-Cadetship combines traditional academic rigour with hands-on, real-world maritime training. Topics include maritime law, global trade logistics, seamanship, electronic navigation, and safety at sea – reinforced through simulator training, expert guest lectures, and practical workshops. It’s an inspiring blend of theory and practice, all aligned to the emerging demands of the maritime industry.
Supported by the Reardon Smith Nautical Trust, learners gain key industry-recognised certifications (including RYA Powerboat Level 2, VHF Radio, and Sea Survival), and complete five weeks of real-world maritime work experience.
Commander Tim Berry, lecturer on the programme, put the cadetship forward for the award and commented: “This recognition celebrates the College’s commitment to equipping our Marine Engineering Pre-Cadets with the cutting-edge skills needed for the evolving maritime and energy sectors – from offshore renewables to high seas shipping.”
He added: “The results speak for themselves. In its first year, five learners have already secured highly sought-after sponsorships with leading maritime employers such as P&O, SSTG, Northstar, and Zodiac. These achievements not only demonstrate the quality of the training but also the programme’s effectiveness in matching learner potential with employer demand and future skills needs. A huge thank you to our staff, learners, and importantly industry partners for helping us shape the future of maritime talent”
The prestigious awards evening will take place on 26 June and will be the pinnacle of the Dover Coastal Powerhouse Summit, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the UK to celebrate the outstanding achievements driving the maritime sector forward.
The Maritime UK Awards spotlight the sector’s vital contribution to the UK economy, which generates £116 billion annually and supports over 1.1 million jobs across shipping, ports, engineering, professional services, and the leisure marine industry.
To find out more about the Pre-Cadetship
