BMF Members have been invited to participate in the 2006 Dover Maritime Careers Festival, which is being held at the Dover Cruise Terminal 2, Western Docks, Dover on the Friday 24th and Saturday 25th March. This is being staged in conjunction with the “Sea Vision (SE) Careers Group South Kent College and Port of Dover” , with the administrative assistance of Viking Recruitment Limited.
The event has been held over the past three years gaining greater interest on each occasion. Organisations attending included Shipping Companies, Marine Recruiting Agencies, the Royal Navy, Universities, Maritime Training Centres, the MCA and other marine related enterprises. Approximately 2000 pupils attended in 2005 from schools within the East Kent area and we can confirm that a number of companies were successful in obtaining deck and engine cadets for their future intakes. Most visitors took advantage of the opportunity of visiting the two vessels moored alongside the Cruise Terminal and talk directly with the crews.
With such a positive response, this year’s the event is aiming to generate a greater presence of shipping companies and marine related organisations. The event will be held at the Cruise Terminal with catering support by South Kent College. We are able to offer the RFA Wave Knight, a 31000 ton Fleet Support Tanker and the MCA tug, Anglian Monarch for people to have a look around. For more hands on activities within the terminal, the Transas ship handling simulator, which proved very popular in 2005 is expected to be available. Projection facilities will be available for promotional video and presentations.
Over 100 schools and colleges with pupils of 16yrs+ have been contacted and their attendance is being confirmed. South Kent Education Business Partnership are assisting with this. There will also be advertisements in the local newspapers and radio. This year the event coincides with the 400th Anniversary of the Dover Harbour Board and the Royal Naval Frigate, HMS Kent is visiting Dover over the weekend as part of the anniversary programme. Admiral the Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL, Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle.has agreed to open the event at 1100 on Friday 24th March. Local MP’s and Civic Dignitaries have offered support and will attend, diaries permitting.
The event will run from 1100 to 1730 on the Friday and 1000 hours to 1600 on the Saturday allowing pupils to attend with their schools and others who wish to attend, out of school hours, with their family. There are no charges involved for visitor entry. All participants are asked to make the event the most successful to date.
Exhibition space and facilities will be provided with admittance of four representatives. Exhibitors with special equipment i.e. simulators who require additional space or resources should make this clear when booking. Students attending will be offered information packs containing material supplied by exhibitors. Access to the terminal will be controlled by the Port of Dover with limited parking for exhibitors available. This event is supported financially by Donations from Local Authorities and Careers Groups, though exhibitors are asked to contribute a fee of £200-00 inclusive of VAT to guarantee space and cover administration costs. Exhibitors of charitable groups i.e. Sea Cadets are not required pay to support the event though commercial and corporate organisations are expected to donate toward the facilities offered. These funds will contribute to the setup and organisation of hosting the event.
To bring the Friday to a close, a drinks reception is planned for all exhibitors and local business people to attend. Exact arrangements to be advised nearer to the time.
As time is of the essence, space will be allocated on a ‘first come ““ first served’ basis and the deadline for attendance returns will be Wednesday 22nd February 2006.