Manj Mahey
As Head of Training at British Marine, Manj Mahey’s remit is to support the Training department
in delivering training and in meeting training needs of members.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the training sector, Manj is well-suited to this wide-ranging role that, as he describes it, operates within several different ‘spheres’. This includes reviewing and assessing apprenticeships; scheduling and delivering courses, both domestically and internationally; and providing careers advice.
His is a key role in sustaining and developing the future workforce - a responsibility that is of particular importance as the industry navigates the current skills shortage. Recognising this as a priority, he is currently developing a longer-term strategy for the Training department in order to enable future growth.
“There are two approaches to bringing more skilled people into the leisure marine sector,” he says. “The first is to look at the current workforce and see who can be upskilled. Our courses play a key part in making sure that the current workforce is adequately trained and up skilled, and help in future proofing for members and organisations.
“The second is in recruiting new workers, and this is where our apprenticeships come in. Some of our members already have very well-established schemes, but for others it may be a new venture; our team is here to help and advise if that is the case.
“Careers events also form an important aspect of my role, in enabling us to put a spotlight on the marine sector itself to those that may not be aware of the industry and showcasing the opportunities within it.”
In the two-and-a-half years he has been in post, Manj has already facilitated a marked increase in the uptake of training, with over 300 delegates each year attending both online and in-person marinised courses during that time.
He attributes this success to his approach of scheduling and communicating training opportunities well in advance – acknowledging time as an increasingly precious commodity - as well as to encouraging a closer involvement from British Marine members.
“I am constantly speaking with British Marine members to ensure the portfolio of training meets their needs - both now and for the future; whether that is looking at new courses that could benefit the sector, or developing courses within our current offering,”.
Manj Head of Training at British Marine
“In an industry where there are many unique businesses with varying needs, ensuring training speaks to the breadth of our members and is fit for purpose relies on us getting members involved right from the early stages; and that’s everyone, from the biggest boat builders through to the smallest boat yards. We listen to their needs and incorporate that.
Otherwise, if the training offered doesn’t fit their needs and they haven’t had opportunity to influence that, they're not going to engage with it. It’s also important for us to communicate and advise members to make sure they are aware of what’s available.” An important element of Manj’s role is horizon scanning, determining any flux in demand around particular training areas and being ready to bring that to fruition in good time.
He cites the recent implementation of the new Practical Yacht Brokers course, developed in collaboration with the ABYA Academy, as a direct result of member demand.
Ensuring industry relevancy and delivering the highest possible standards is something Manj is passionate about, something he describes as a “process of continual evolution”.
Apprenticeships, for example, are reviewed every three years, and while British Marine does not deliver these directly, they are closely involved in influencing content. Manj also works closely with British Marine’s Technical and other teams, as well as with its expert sub-associations, in developing relevant courses.
“Personally, I’m very conscious that we don't sit back; it would be easy to become stagnant and roll out the same course year on year,”.
Manj Head of Training at British Marine
“As we know, technologies are evolving, working practices are evolving. There may also be regulatory or legal changes that we need to incorporate. As a result, we are always evolving our training and actively expanding the breadth of what we deliver, ensuring that our training still holds currency in the current market.”
“Again, this involves round-table discussions with members to understand what their requirements are, and surveys at the end point to capture feedback.”
Having input throughout the process is important in developing training to the highest standards. As an example, British Marine is an Ofqual-recognised End Point Assessment Organisation for a number of sector relevant apprenticeship standards – a status Manj worked hard to achieve during his first year in-role, using his knowledge and experience gained from his previous position as Centre Director/Head of Apprenticeships at Highbury College Portsmouth (now, City College Portsmouth); recently, he has expanded that to include two new standards – Marine Electrician level 3 and Surface finisher level 3.
“Being an End Point Assessment Organisation brings huge value to our industry,” he explains.
“It completes our involvement with the apprenticeship circle - from early developmental review stages, to shaping the information, advice and guidance, and then having the involvement as an End Point Assessing Organisation – gives us valuable insight and knowledge. As a department, we are seeking to grow that and are looking to the wider industry to engage with us as assessors.”
As well as working across the UK, British Marine’s Training team also works internationally, with a particular focus on delivering courses in Europe and in the Middle East. It’s an aspect of the job that Manj finds particularly rewarding, especially opening up new territories. At times this requires him to overcome logistical challenges inherent in delivering courses overseas, as well as overseeing the standard of delivery, and speaking with stakeholders to promote the benefits of training and British Marine courses in particular.
“British Marine certification is well-received and renowned internationally. There is a strong demand which is testament to the quality of the course and the way it’s delivered, as well as the content and the pathway that we’ve etched out for delegates; they can quite clearly see that this course leads to that certification, which then opens doors for them and enables career progress.
“For me, it’s fantastic to play a part in bringing that to people across the world and making sure our delegates experience a world-class course.
“It’s also great to be able to network with stakeholders in new regions, such as port authorities, in-country marina associations, for example, and to discuss how they can best make use of British Marine’s training portfolio. We’re currently in discussions with Saudi Arabia to bring the Marina Manager courses on stream for 2025; the potential in that region is really exciting.”
Across all the various ‘spheres’ that his job reaches, Manj believes that celebrating success is essential in showcasing the value of investing in training and in encouraging greater engagement.
The recent Schools and Careers Day at the Southampton International Boat Show included a special Apprenticeship Recognition Ceremony, attended by 63 apprentices from a spectrum of leading marine companies, and at which the inaugural British Marine Apprentice of the Year Award was also presented. This award was initiated by Manj to recognise outstanding contributions from apprentices and to show the potential of the apprenticeship pathway.
The Award received a huge amount of positive support from British Marine members in its first year, which Manj is keen to build on for next year.
He asks members to get in touch with queries or ideas relating to the Awards, as well as to apprenticeships, courses and wider training opportunities.
“Ultimately our passion lies in developing and encouraging the next generation of our industry’s workforce, and it is conversations with British Marine members that can help us shape that. If you have requirements that you foresee in the future, or suggestions to make, do drop me a line at mmahey@britishmarine.co.uk.
Manj Head of Training at British Marine
“Equally, if you have questions about training or careers, or about using us for your End Point Assessment requirements, please do approach us for advice. We will be happy to help join the dots.”
To learn more about British Marine's training, careers and EPA opportunities, visit https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/training