A careers fair that aims to ease the skills shortage facing the maritime industry is taking place in Southampton later this year.

The event will be held on the third and final day of the annual Seawork exhibition, which is returning to Mayflower Park and is expected to attract about 7,200 visitors from 60 countries.

Maritime businesses and organisations offer a raft of job opportunities and are always looking to expand the skills base of existing and future employees.

READ MORE: Seawork 2023 starts at Mayflower Park

Problems facing the industry were cited in a recent report compiled by the University of Southampton in collaboration with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute.

The report said: "Just over half of respondents indicated that skill problems are inhibiting their activities.

"The majority of shortages referred to types of engineering and science-based skills including electronics, software, robotics, mechanical engineering, marine and system engineers, and environmental scientists. It also included a shortage of young design engineers/naval architects.'"

"Shortages in high-skilled marine roles were mentioned including experienced draftsmen and specialist boatyard skills. Several firms reported that they are risk of losing traditional fit-out and fabrication skills for boat builders."

Now, Seawork is working with Maritime UK Solent and Solent Partners to deliver a maritime careers and training day on Thursday, June 13.

A similar event last year helped young people from schools, colleges, and universities to gain an insight into the opportunities available in the maritime sector.

More than 160 students toured Seawork, speaking to exhibitors, visiting the pontoons, and going aboard vessels.

A competition staged by the British Marine Electrical and Electronics Association (BMEEA) saw marine business Level 3 apprentice teams design the controls for a motor.

The BMEEA said: "A great day and a great competition with a fantastic group of enthusiastic and committed young people.

"These apprentices will go on to be the highly qualified marine electrical engineers of the very near future and a vital injection of skills into the vibrant and diverse marine industry."

The event was praised by Louise Bateman, progression mentor at St Vincent College in Gosport.

She said: "It was fantastically organised, hooking the students immediately with presentations from individuals in a variety of marine-related roles."

Sallie Connochie, transition manager/careers lead at Henry Cort Community College in Fareham, added: "I found the speakers really interesting, and the exhibitors were very knowledgeable."