23.07.2013

Thames Career Day Attracts Major Interest

Visitors to Royal Terrace Pier (click on image to enlarge)

A Thames Careers Open Day attracted over 1,000 people to the Port of London Authority’s (PLA) Royal Terrace Pier and Marine Service base at Denton on Thursday, 18 July.

The Open Day was officially opened by Gravesham Council leader, Cllr John Burden, with the Mayor of Gravesham, His Worshipful the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Derek Sales and PLA chief harbour master, David Phillips.

Visitors to Royal Terrace Pier saw exhibits from 24 Thames-based companies and had opportunity to research job and business opportunities in the marine environment; job-seekers and schoolchildren had a privileged and detailed tour the PLA Marine Services operation at Denton showing the range of skills required in the marine industry. 

Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Derek Sales, commented:

“Gravesham’s relationship with the River Thames spans the centuries, I am pleased that this initiative by the National Maritime Development Group and the PLA helps a new generation of young people become aware of today’s opportunities to train and work on the River.”

The National Maritime Development Group organised the Careers Day; their Thames & Channel National Maritime Development Group represents a maritime ‘cluster’ of more than 4,000 businesses, employing 105,000 people, with a turnover of £5 billion per annum.

The PLA hosted the event at their Gravesend bases.  PLA chief harbour master, David Phillips, added:

“We’ve been really pleased by the strong interest in this initiative, both from the Thames-based employers and those looking to the Thames as a career option.  After giving young people an insight into what we do we hope more people will consider marine careers as well as attracting more applications for the three apprenticeships that we’re offering.”