11th March 2024
Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education (FE) recently paid a visit to Falmouth Marine School, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), in celebration of National Careers Week.
Seema Malhotra MP toured the unique maritime and marine facilities, accompanied by Steve Taylor, head of campus, Jayne Kirkham, local Labour Party parliament candidate and several marine and maritime industry representatives.
During her visit, discussions focused on the vital links between the education sector and addressing the skills gap, as she engaged with marine engineering, boatbuilding and marine conservation students, with a specific focus on the dynamic opportunities arising from the Celtic Sea Project and floating offshore wind initiatives. 
Commenting on the day, the Shadow Minister said: “It’s vital that we have the engagement and involvement of employers in our education system to be taking part in deciding what the courses should be, how they’re connected in with the latest technology and needs of the industry.
Seema continued: “It’s been great to see employers working so closely with the College and to talk to young learners about why they’re choosing these courses and the support that they need to be successful.”
For John Evans, the visit served as a “fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional facilities and the incredible talent in Cornwall.”
“The recent visit from Shadow Minister, Seema Malhotra, highlighted the Group’s commitment to innovation, industry relevance and strong employer links,” John commented.
Head of Falmouth Marine School, Steve Taylor, emphasised: “As a specialist college, our mission is to educate and prepare the future generation of marine scientists, maritime professionals, ecologists and conservationists. It is crucial that our voice resonates with policymakers to ensure challenges faced by these industries and the education sector are effectively addressed.”
“The recent visit from the Shadow Minister has provided us and our employer partners with a valuable platform for substantial discussions on shaping the future of the marine and maritime sectors,” he added.
To find out more about courses available at Falmouth Marine School, visit the website.
