We’re giving people a chance to gain qualifications while getting paid for a career at sea
Members of the public are being given the chance to look around South Shields Marine School.
South Shields Marine School is set to host an open day on Saturday, January 24, where people will get the chance to look around the world’s oldest maritime training college.
The day aims to give potential new students an opportunity to find out about the school’s sponsored training courses.
People will get the opportunity to have a tour of the multi-million pound facility, on Grosvenor Road, where they can get a glimpse of their 360-degree simulators, ship’s engine replicas and the latest technology that is used onboard ships.
South Shields Marine School trains students to work as navigators or marine engineers and offers three career pathways, including a Deck Officer, Marine Engine Officer, or Electro-Technical Officer.
The school’s sponsored cadetship courses give a training opportunity to combine studying while being paid by a shipping company.
These courses last around three years and alternate between a few months studying and a few months working at sea - with those who pass gaining a Certificate of Higher Education or a Foundation Degree.
South Shields Marine School’s cadetships are sponsored by global shipping companies that range from cruise-liners, to research vessels, to tankers and more.
Anyone who attends the open day later this month will get the opportunity to speak to representatives from Anglo Eastern, Carnival Cruises, Clyde Marine Training, Just Be Maritime, Prichard Gordon Tankers, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Ship Safe Training Group, and Stena Line.
Simon Ashton, Principal of South Shields Marine School, said: “If you are considering a maritime career, or interested in doing something different, we invite you to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into the industry.
“Come along and meet our expert lecturers, discover the roles available with our shipping companies, and tour our world-class facilities.
“We welcome school leavers, current sea cadets, and anyone seeking a career change.”
South Shields Marine School has stated that the courses are open to people aged 18 and over.
Students under the age of 18 have the opportunity to visit the school to find out about the pre-cadetship courses in navigation or engineering, offering a one or two-year college course preparing students for a hands-on career.
The open day will run from 10am until 2pm on January 24, with registration available at: https://www.southshieldsmarineschool.com/event/open-day-saturday-24th-january-2026/.