THE FEDERAL Government has addressed maritime workforce and skill shortages with the announcement this week of a $13.8 million program over four years.
Under the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI), employers can apply for grants to help cover the cost of sea time for up to 20 trainee and cadet seafarers, including wages, accommodation, provisions and transportation.
Roles eligible for MSTI grants include integrated rating trainees and cadets, including deck, engine and electro-technical officers.
Like the Maritime Strategic Fleet Pilot, MSTI is a response to the 2023 Strategic Fleet Taskforce Report, which made 16 recommendations. A $2.5 million boost to Industry Skills Australia to tackle training barriers in the maritime sector will complement the program.
Maritime Industry Australia Limited CEO Angela Gilham welcomed the program, saying it was a “signal to industry of the government’s recognition of this country’s need to develop and maintain strategic maritime capability, supported by a skilled domestic workforce”.
“As an island nation, our national prosperity and security is reliant on maritime transport and capability, more than any other mode of transport,” Ms Gilham added. “This government is the first in a long time to recognise this and act to support it.
“This initiative is most welcome as a first step, and we encourage those operators in our industry who can provide this vital experience to apply for support. We trust this process will ensure that funding arrangements are dealt with expeditiously and our next generation of seafarers can start their careers in maritime ASAP.”
Further information is available at MSTI and grant applications open on 24 November.