As part of our Careers & Skills Spotlight, we’re shining a spotlight on Fort Recruitment – a specialist recruitment partner to the maritime industry and its wider supply chain.
Founded by Ian Buckley (Managing Consultant) and Kate Birmingham (Senior Consultant), Fort Recruitment brings over 40 years’ combined recruitment experience to the sector.
With a people-first approach and a deep understanding of both employers and candidates, the team plays a vital role in connecting talent with onshore and offshore opportunities, helping the maritime sector build, grow and retain the skills it needs for the future.
Who is Fort Recruitment and what do you do?
Fort Recruitment is a specialist firm offering an intelligent and highly effective permanent recruitment service. We specialise in the Maritime Industry and its supply chain including Legal, Consultancy, Engineering, Utilities, Oil & Gas and Renewable Energy.
We understand that recruiting the right people is fundamental to the success of any business. As a result, we pride ourselves on understanding the exact needs of each business we work with.
Our relationship with clients is a long-term partnership leading to a sustained improvement in our recruitment methods further ensuring successful outcomes and high retention rates.
What key recruitment trends are you seeing across the maritime sector?
We are seeing several key recruitment trends across the maritime sector, including:
• Flexible work and shore opportunities allowing a work–life balance not previously offered in the maritime sector. This significant change in working conditions is enabling the industry to attract a more diverse workforce.
• Companies investing in employee development, competitive pay and a strong, positive culture are finding recruitment and retention more successful.
• Social media platforms allowing targeted recruitment for specific roles.
• New technologies transforming the maritime industry, driving a continued emphasis on training, skills development and future-proofing roles.
What entry-level routes and career pathways are available for individuals looking to build a career in maritime, both onshore and offshore?
For individuals considering a career in maritime and marine engineering, there are a variety of entry-level routes into both onshore and offshore roles. These include cadetships and apprenticeships, experience gained through the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy, and relevant college or university degrees in engineering or maritime-related disciplines.
As recruiters, we also work closely with onshore employers to fill a wide range of roles, including commercial positions, front and back-office functions, and mechanical and technical support roles. Many of these opportunities are offered through apprenticeship pathways, allowing individuals to gain practical experience while learning and developing their skills on the job, and providing clear progression into more specialised technical and engineering careers.
How can employers better attract young people and career-changers into maritime careers?
Employers can attract young people and career-changers into maritime careers by embracing modern connectivity and digital communication. Social media, in particular, is a powerful recruitment tool, allowing organisations to share clear and consistent information about the day-to-day responsibilities of roles, as well as details on pay, benefits, and working conditions.
It also provides insight into career progression, workplace culture, and inclusivity, helping potential candidates understand how they might fit in and develop within the organisation. By using these channels effectively, employers can engage a broader and more diverse audience, making maritime careers more accessible and appealing.
What excites you most about the future of careers in the maritime sector?
What excites us most is the opportunity to mentor the next generation of crew and onshore staff. Greater flexibility in roles enables more creative recruitment and allows us to reach a wider and more diverse talent pool, helping to make the maritime sector more accessible and inclusive for all.
We’re particularly excited about creating opportunities for individuals who may not previously have considered a career in the maritime sector, helping to make the industry more accessible and inclusive for all.
