'We need more folk who know how things float'

This headline is how naval architect Hamish Adamson, founder and managing director of Harlyn Solutions and a Newcastle University alumnus, put it at a recent Port of Blyth breakfast briefing. He was talking about the talent pipeline we need for the growing offshore renewables sector in North East England – pipelines we are plumbing with industry initiatives such as Energy Central, the innovative learning hub where I now teach.

But how do we fulfil this diversifying need, one that also includes naval architects? Or, to use a maritime analogy: how do we onboard talent on to the good ship MV RINA as we chart a course forward for our profession?

We might wait for the job opportunity or career trajectory that transfers a practising engineer straight on to the upper decks of our ship. We have master’s degrees, CPD and experiential pathways that support this route, enabling professionals to join RINA mid-voyage.

But we also need fresh cadets to join us onboard.