15.01.2013

Thames Training Alliance awards first contract

Thames Training Alliance Media Release

The Thames Training Alliance (TTA) is pleased to announce that its first training contract, subject to satisfactory final negotiation, has been awarded to 64ths Ltd - Marine Training of Gravesend in Kent, in association with Skills for Growth, an Independent Apprenticeship and Training provider, which is based in a number of SE London locations.

Initially the training programme will concentrate on a cohort of 20 Boat Master Licence (BML) trainees to be chosen in consultation with various TTA member companies – who now represent about 30% of the active employees afloat on the Thames.

Rotating trainees round member companies fleets, providing expert mentoring and day release formal training will be key features of the new training scheme. A significant element of the cost will be met by Government apprenticeship grants. 64ths Ltd will also develop other courses and endorsement training in support of the BML scheme which they will advertise to TTA members in due course.

The TTA steering group believe this is an important milestone in improving training on the Thames, providing a structured path for new entrants to the industry and a mechanism for expanding the workforce on the river to meet the needs of future projects. It also provides an important element of the support to future business opportunities foreseen in the river transport strategy of both the Mayor of London and the Port of London Authority.

For more information please contact the TTA via the website or by email.