The shipping industry is investing in training.
Newly released statistics from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), which celebrated its centenary in 2011, show shipping bucking the trend in terms of cuts to training budgets. While recent figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) revealed a fall of 20 percent in training budgets in 2011, ICS examination registrations are up 44 percent.
The ICS 2012 figures for the number of examinations being undertaken are in sharp contrast to the downbeat maritime industry forecasts for the medium to long term. The ICS is experiencing a record year in examination registrations with 5,838 already confirmed, compared to 4,061 in 2011. Furthermore, the qualifications offered by ICS are receiving increased global recognition with 75 examination centres in 46 countries across six continents.
This increase provides solid evidence that, despite a global shipping recession, with the threat of darker times to come, the maritime industry and individuals recognise the value of investment in sector-specific education and training.
This exceptional increase is further evidence that internationally, maritime businesses are heeding professional advice to maintain and/or increase training budgets and not cut them during recessionary times, in order to emerge fitter from an economic downturn.
“It is very encouraging to see an increased commitment to quality training from both the maritime industry and individuals seeking recognition as maritime professionals,” said the Director of ICS, Julie Lithgow. “This significant increase in examination registrations is indicative of the ability of the maritime industry to look to the future during austere times.”