IMarEST encourages the next generation of marine leaders: Future Leaders Forum
The Institute for Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is calling on under 35 years old professionals, including returners, to join its first ever Future Leaders Forum on 24th April, in London. The event aims to support young professionals as they move through the initial stages of a career within the marine industry.
Chris Goldsworthy, Chief Executive of the IMarEST says: “Our Future Leaders Forum is vital for the health of the marine industry. By supporting those entering our sector we can ensure not only that they are able to build a successful career, but also enable the sector to thrive long into the future.”
The event is being supported by a grant from the TK Foundation, which has awarded over $46 million in grants to non-profit organisations and projects to improve the maritime realm and the lives of disadvantaged youth. The charity supports young people’s efforts to explore the maritime realm as a career path and provides grants to encourage young people to attend relevant conferences.
Jo Lewis, Head of Events at the IMarEST, says: “With the help of the TK Foundation grant we are now able to support early career professionals and cover the cost of their attendance. This will make a huge difference to many individuals.”
To apply for funding, individuals must be an IMarEST member, be under 35, and be unable to secure funding from another source. Jo adds: “There is a simple online form that individuals who meet the criteria can use to apply. Spaces are limited so we recommend applying as early as you can.”
The event will see delegates enjoying panel discussions and joining in with smaller roundtable focus groups with a focus on the challenges and solutions that will shape the future of the industry. The event will end with a networking drinks reception.
Subjects for the day include employee welfare, how tech will impact the sector and its people and how transferable skills can help individuals move into new roles and up the management ladder. Speakers include:
• Nick Chubb, Founder of Thetius
• Heidi Hesletine, Founder, Diversity Study Group, CEO, Halcyon Recruitment Ltd
• Jenny Kovacs, Visibility Specialist
• Amanda Peach, Career Coach, STEM Returners
• Conor Savage FIMarEST, ESG Manager, Sainsbury’s bank
• Claudene Sharp-Patel FIMarEST, Technical director, Lloyds Register
Jo concludes: “With the shortage of people entering STEM careers, it's important that we do all we can to help students and graduates realise the value of a marine career and join the workforce. Like other industries and sectors, we need to attract and retain top talent to stay relevant and this means we need to engage with and support budding engineers, scientists, technologists so that we don’t miss out on our future leaders.”
The event will take place at the Leonardo Tower Bridge Hotel on 24 April 2024, 1.30pm – 5.45pm.
Full details, including agenda, speakers, and how to apply for a grant-funded place, can be found at: https://www.imarest.org/events/future-leaders-forum-2024/funding.html