Where Have All The Workers Gone?
Our country has some of the best possible education systems in the world, and as a result, has been producing millions of skilled Canadian workers at home and abroad.
By Grade 12 most high school students have a general idea of what they’re planning on doing for a career. Now it’s no surprise to hear that most students pursue “popular” careers such as something in the trades, becoming engineers, scientists, going into business, joining the government, or becoming a frontline healthcare or ems worker.
What may be surprising on the other hand is how a major industry worldwide is having an increasingly hard time finding qualified workers!
This industry is one of the world's oldest, one that has been offering the world countless sustainable resources, one that has employed millions with a good paycheck, steady food to eat, and a lifestyle some can only dream of. Only recently have we begun seeing this lack of labour even here in Canada. But what is the industry in question?
The Maritime Industry!
Sounds a little weird to say considering the maritime industry has been a staple here in Canada since its inception. Not only that, but kids love spending time in, on, and around the water!
So often when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up” kids would include the maritime sector on their list with cool, interesting careers such as Marine Biologist, Sailor, Coast Guard, Aquarium Vet, Navy, and so much more.
But why are Canadian youth, and youth around the world not taking as many Maritime programs at Colleges and Universities? Enrollment in these programs has been on the decline as of late and that's concerning to many businesses, and people invested in this sector.
The team here at Tall Ships Adventure has, unfortunately, run into this labour shortage firsthand. Finding key people for crucial roles to successfully sail a ship such as Captain, Engineer, and SVMO has become increasingly difficult over the years. Simply put there are more job postings than people talented enough to fill these roles!
We believe a key factor in people not going into the Maritime sector is a lack of time spent on the water, a lack of courses available in schools, and a lack of exposure to potential career paths.
Another reason could be the common misunderstanding that to be "successful" you MUST go to University and get an office job working with the Government, or a big tech firm.
Perks Of A Career In The Maritime Industry
A career in the Maritime Industry comes with many perks a lot of folks may not know about. Many land-based jobs are ultra-competitive and offer quite low entry-level pay. Not only that but a common issue for new grads for more popular programs is actually finding work!
Jobs aren't guaranteed after college anymore with so much competition. Oftentimes new grads and entry-level workers either aren't given benefits at all, or the bare minimum to be considered "job benefits".
Competitive entry-level wages $$$
Job Security
Urgent need for labour
Variety in day to day work
Spending time in the outdoors
Great benefits
A Lot of opportunities for career advancement (they need you!)
A sense of adventure and travel opportunities worldwide
Universal skills give you the opportunity for career flexibility
Courses At Bytown Brigantine -Tall Ships Adventure
Here at Tall Ships Adventure, we're all about helping youth find themselves through the medium of Tall Ship Sailing. By offering Tall Ship Adventures and maritime courses, we're always looking to help youth grow and develop into responsible, hard-working people both ashore and aboard a ship.
That's why we're so happy to offer high school students the chance to take courses that teach valuable seamanship skills! Having these skills, and getting this unique experience prepares students for the Transport Canada qualifications required of a professional crew! Students taking our courses learn really cool unique skills such as navigation, knotwork, how to operate and navigate a small vessel by sail, small engine and oar.
Students also develop problem-solving and analytical skills, work on planning, setting, and achieving goals, as well as developing character, a sense of self, and how to be a contributing member of a dynamic team. Students can also earn their Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card and Radio Operator’s Certificate through our courses.
Not only will students build all the skills needed to sail, but they'll also get into a great position to further their career in the Maritime Industry. (We don't want to tout our own horn, but on top of helping prepare students for a career on the water, we really believe we help students find passion in a field in desperate need of their help!)
Want to learn more about the high school courses we offer? Click here!