Speaking at our webinar earlier today, the Rector of MLA College, Professor John Chudley, stated that education needs to be flexible and tailored to the needs of individuals, especially when it comes to making it accessible for the working professional.
John was joined by Alex Mejia, Divisional Director for UNITAR and Head, CIFAL Global Network, Professor Basak Akdemir, CEO of MLA College and Director of CIFAL City of London, Jonathan Pace from the Technical Cooperation Division of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and Dr Jaimie Cross, Vice-Rector of MLA College, who chaired the webinar; Flexible Education for the Maritime Sector: Addressing the challenges faced by working professionals.
Alex opened the event, which took place to celebrate World Maritime Day, by giving an overview of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals which outline 17 key focus areas, adopted by all Member States in 2015 and which provide a roadmap to achieving a “better and more sustainable future for all” by 2030.
Celebrating the maritime sector, and New Technologies for Greener Shipping, the theme for this years’ World Maritime Day, Basak went on to explain how shipping is crucial for trade, be it food, fuel and crucial supplies needed all over the world.
Technical cooperation was the theme of Jonathan’s talk, who gave a focus on the rules and regulations set out for the shipping industry, from safety of the crew through to protection of marine life.
The IMO provide technical assistance to countries around the world that would not otherwise have the facilities available to ensure these rules are incorporated and regulated. Jonathan also went on say that they have recently launched their first e-learning training, which is accessible to IMO members on their training platform.
Concluding the webinar, John stated that collaboration, education and training is key within the maritime sector. He went onto say that education providers need to put individuals at the heart of their delivery and tailor training and qualifications to the needs of working professionals.
Delivering quality education that tackles gender inequalities and allows for flexible learning, such as studying when away at sea and around other life commitments, is paramount.
