Institute of Guidance Counsellors visit Killybegs Marine Cluster to explore careers in marine industry

The Killybegs Marine Cluster welcomed the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC), together with Donegal ETB to Atlantic Technological University’s Killybegs campus, to gain insight into this unique marine ecosystem and understand the vast career opportunities available within the blue economy.

The visit involved a series of short informative presentations from Killybegs Marine Cluster members and stakeholders as well as site visits to several businesses.

The Guidance Counsellors from around the region, took part in a tour of Killybegs port where they were given an insight into the multitude of different skills needed in boat building from Derek Mc Brearty, Sales Manager, KER GROUP & Martin McGuinness, MD MMG Ocean, highlighting Killybegs is as famous for its marine engineering as its fishing.

From there the group visited The Seamanship Centre who offer professional industry training to international shipping companies, offshore and yachting industries. CEO of The Seamanship Centre, Richard Timony gave an overview of the many career paths open to those interesting in working at sea.

A final stop on the tour was a visit to the impressive Atlantic Dawn Group processing plant. Guidance Councillors received a personal tour of the factory by CEO, Karl McHugh who encouraged more young people to explore the career options in the fishing industry.

Returning to Atlantic Technological University, Killybegs campus, presentations were given by Derek Mc Brearty from KER Group and Chris Joyce from Barry Electronics.

Another key stakeholder in attendance, included Donegal ETB who are deeply committed to the continuous development of Skills across the Northwest region. Vinny McGroary, Area Training Manager spoke about the opportunities within the marine sector and how Donegal ETB can support those interested in pursuing a career within the blue economy. Colm Richardson, Assistant Manager provided a recent example of a co-created bespoke Marine Engineering Traineeship, which is Ireland's first commencing later this year. Killybegs Marine Cluster Manager, Karl Bonner welcomed the opportunity to share the career opportunities in the marine industry with guidance councillors:

“The Blue Economy offers a broad range of exciting career paths for both males and females. The Killybegs Marine Cluster work closely with all our educational stakeholders including the Atlantic Technological University, Donegal ETB, BIM etc. to create a sustainable talent pipeline.”

This invitation to the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC), followed a collaborative innovation pilot programme which involved St. Catherine Vocational School, Alpha Innovation and industry leaders from the Killybegs Marine Cluster which took place in November, 2022. Kevin Sexton, Head of Innovation at ALPHA Innovation delivered an innovation pilot with transition year students from St. Catherines Vocational School, which run over five weeks and concluded with a formal presentation from the students to industry via a fireside chat format.

The Killybegs Marine Cluster was set up in February 2021 as part of Enterprise Ireland’s national clustering programmes. Killybegs Marine Cluster in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University, is 100% funded under the Regional Technology Cluster Fund (RTCF) and is the only dedicated Blue Economy Marine Cluster in Ireland. For more information about Killybegs Marine Cluster, please go to www.kmc.blue.