Thames Training AllianceUpdate

Welcome and Introduction

The Steering Group:Lewis BrownJohn BigosSean CollinsChris LivettColin MiddlemissJulian ParkesDavid Snelson

A reminder of the problemBoatmaster’s Licence (BML) – national & EU

scheme 2007Professional training not mandatoryNow approved as an official apprenticeshipThames companies run their own in house

training – expensive; variable standardsMany small companies – no training

capabilityProfessional demands growing

Organisation structure

Thames

Training

Alliance

The steering committee

The Training provider

Colleges

River Companies

The Thames Training Alliance What are we trying to do?Organise structured training – courses and

qualifying service timeUtilise government BML apprenticeship fundingArrange rotation of trainees in placements

around river craft

This will..Reduce current training costsIncrease professional and safety standards

What have we been doing?Formed a Company limited by guaranteeSet up website: thames-training-alliance.orgLobbied Ministers, GLA, PLA and othersSelected 4 potential organisations to run the

trainingInvitation to Tender ready to goRaised some money – about 50k

Timeline to Better TrainingSteerin

g group Forme

d

Issue Tender

s

Select contract

or

River trainees to TTA

QST on

river fleets

MCA approv

ed courses

Endorsements

Better quality Boat

Masters

We are here

More than Boatmaster’s quals?

Mate and Competent Crew trainingRYA Courses – ‘under 12s’Towing & pushing endorsementThames Local Knowledge endorsement Other endorsements – eg. Large Passenger

vessel Lighterage and line handlingRisk Assessments; safe systems of work etc

Longer term developmentsA way of achieving major increase in river

skills to meet needs of infrastructure projects. e.g. Tideway Tunnel

A ‘portal’ for young people and new entrants looking for careers afloat

A labour exchange for seasonal labour?A provider of other courses relevant to

Thames companies

Navigation skills

……and safety skills….

Funding?Could cost 75k – 100k per year to run?25k Seedcorn funding raised from operators and

othersPort of London Authority (PLA) have pledged 25kShipowners and Tysers contributionEmployer Ownership of Skills bid unsuccessfulPossible grants from (sea) training charitiesLong term training levy on PLA licences or dues?Training fees from training members?

Potential river operators contribution

• 6 % of operators have contributed 20k

The river could do much better!

6%

94%

River operators who have Contributed to the TTA

Scheme So far

Contributors

Non-contrib-utors

£-

£50,000.00

£100,000.00

£150,000.00

£200,000.00

£250,000.00

£300,000.00

£350,000.00

Amount raised vs Amount that could be raised

TTA Actual Contri-butionsPotental That could be collected

What do (all) we want?

A vibrant marine industry on the Thames Supported by

Professional training, High safety standards Rewarding careers

Questions?

Copies of the slides will be on our website later this week