A new state-of-the-art maritime centre based at the Gosport and Fareham Trust running a marine careers course has been backed by Sir Ben Ainslie, Alex Thomson and MP Caroline Dinenage.
The post-16 vocational diplomas, equivalent to three A-levels and run by the Gosport and Fareham Trust in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Centres, will welcome its first students this September.
The marine and maritime careers centre consists of purpose-built classrooms located metres from GFM school Bay House in Stokes Bay.
Alex Thomson said: “As Patron of the Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust, I welcome the news that building will commence on the new Marine and Maritime Careers Centre. The facility will offer young people so many of the core skills they need to pursue careers at sea or within the marine and maritime industry.”
Sir Ben Ainslie, who is a founding trustee of the Andrew Simpson Foundation, said: “This incredible course looks to truly inspire and motivate students to aim high and achieve their dream careers in the marine and maritime sector, regardless of their background.
“My own path into professional sports was challenging in that there was not a dedicated pathway I could follow or a course that I could take, but I was incredibly fortunate to have some amazing people around me that were able to guide me.
“I really hope that young people are inspired to sign up and explore the many future career opportunities within the Portsmouth and Gosport area, an area experiencing a huge growth in the marine and maritime industries.”
To register your interest in the course visit: andrewsimpsoncentres.org/diploma
