More than 75 schoolchildren got first-hand experience of what it’s like to work at one of Britain’s biggest and busiest trust ports at a recent careers festival.

Harwich Haven Authority (HHA)’s first-ever ‘A Haven of Opportunities Festival’ has been heralded a great success by pupils and teachers alike, offering youngsters an exciting insight into life in maritime.

That included a boat buoyancy challenge and the chance to step into the shoes of pilots, launch crews and vessel traffic services officers to bring a fictional deep-water vessel safely into harbour.

Helen Rudd, Sustainability and Partnerships Director at HHA, said:

“Seeing the excitement young people feel for our industry is hugely encouraging. It’s great to see.

“Events like this are crucial in drawing in that next generation of talent and showcasing just how important a role maritime plays in our daily lives here in Essex and Suffolk.

“There are a wealth of opportunities out there and I would encourage anyone looking ahead to their next chapter to consider a career in this flourishing and rewarding industry.

“A huge thank you goes to everyone involved for putting on such a successful event.”

Three schools attended the event on Friday 16 October, with exhibitors including RWE, Essex Marine Police, Freeport East and Boskalis Westminster. Schools attending included Year 9 pupils from Manningtree High School, Lift Clacton and Lift Tendring.

Speakers shared their experiences in the industry across a wide range of roles, including areas like pilotage, port operations and engineering.

Philippa Young, Careers Advisor at Lift Clacton, is one of the guests from local schools who has praised the event. She said:

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the event that you and the team held on Friday. 

“The students really enjoyed themselves and it was great to mix it up with talks, structured activities and the opportunity to explore and talk to employers themselves.”

Cathy Theobald, from stallholder Halterman Carless, added:

“Today was a well organised event and we were very happy to participate, the students were really engaged and the time allocated seemed spot on.

“Well done to HHA and the team, we would be happy to participate again if needed.”

The event was made possible thanks to the support of partners Freeport East.