
Steering a career amongst global shipping giants
A Southampton Solent University graduate is building a career coordinating some of the world’s largest vessels into port.
2 October 2026
5 October 2026 • by Solent press team
More than 70 aspiring seafarers from two key pre-cadetship partner colleges visited our world-renowned Warsash Maritime School to gain first-hand insight into careers in the maritime industry.
Pre-cadets and staff from Brockenhurst and Pembrokeshire Colleges attended the event on Friday 2 October, to learn more about the opportunities available through cadet officer training as they prepare for the next steps in their maritime careers.
Hosted at the University's maritime training school, the day began with a welcome presentation introducing students to the wide range of career pathways available at sea and across the maritime sector. The session also helped prepare attendees for Solent University's Careers at Sea Open Day, held the following day (Saturday 3 October).
Students were then given the opportunity to take part in a series of practical taster sessions across key maritime disciplines, including marine electro-technology, marine engineering, nautical science, maritime business and yacht design.
The visit also provided an opportunity for prospective cadets to meet current trainees who had progressed through the pre-cadetship route. Current Warsash trainees shared their experiences of maritime training, life as a cadet and advice on securing sponsorship with shipping companies.

The event comes as Warsash Maritime School continues to strengthen its position as the UK's leading provider of cadet officer training. This September, the School welcomed a record intake of more than 270 seafarers and now delivers almost 40 per cent of cadet officer maritime training across the UK.
With a heritage spanning more than 100 years, Warsash Maritime School supports the development of highly skilled officers for the merchant navy and wider maritime industry, working closely with major shipping companies and industry partners worldwide.
Kunal Anand, Director of Warsash Maritime School, said, “It was a pleasure to welcome our pre-cadets from Pembrokeshire College and Brockenhurst College. Visits like this help students understand the breadth of opportunities available within the maritime sector and the pathways that can lead to a rewarding career at sea.
“This year we welcomed a record intake of more than 270 seafarers and now provide almost 40 per cent of the UK's cadet officer maritime training. As the country's largest provider, we are committed to developing the next generation of maritime professionals and supporting the future workforce of this global industry.”
You can find out more about training for careers at sea on our Warsash Maritime School website.
