Students use the GEORG STAGE as a steppingstone to maritime education and jobs

STUDENTS USE THE GEORG STAGE AS A STEPPING STONE TO

maritime education and jobs

It is a good investment for society that a training ship like the GEORG STAGE receives state support. Figures from Statistics Denmark show that the majority of the training ship's students move on to further education or jobs. That is why the money for the training ship is well spent, says Asser Amdisen, director of the foundation behind the GEORG STAGE.

By Troels Leth, SEA HEALTH & WELFARE

The vast majority of students who complete an expedition with GEORG STAGE are in work or undergoing an educational programme a year and a half after graduation. This is the case for more than 99% of the students, according to figures from Statistics Denmark. Only half a percent receive public benefits.

"This is a remarkable statistic and I cannot explain how we achieve such a good result. It shows that every year we send a lot of young people out into the labour market and into education," says Asser Amdisen, director of the Georg Stage’s Memorial Foundation.

State support is a prerequisite for the GEORG STAGE to carry out two expeditions each year, with a total of 126 students aboard. Each student must pay DKK 18,000 for a course on the GEORG STAGE. However, this amount does not cover the costs of running the ship, the salaries of the staff and the training onboard.

The statistics are therefore a key argument when the foundation applies for funding for the training from the Danish parliament.

"If we want to build energy islands and wind turbines at sea and be able to service them in the future with trained manpower, we need to invest in attracting young people to maritime education, of which the training ships are an important part," says Asser Amdisen..

The Georg Stage’s Memorial Foundation (The Stiftelsen Georg Stages Minde) receives a fixed grant from the state of almost DKK 10 million for one expedition per year. In the latest Finance Act, the Folketing has given an additional grant, which makes it possible to carry out two expeditions in 2022 and 2023 for 126 students per year. In 2019 and 2021 there were also two expeditions, but in 2020 the GEORG STAGE was also affected by COVID-19 and could therefore only carry out one expedition. AN EDUCATION THAT OPENS UP MANY OPPORTUNITIES

The foundation also conducts its own annual graduation survey, sending a form to students asking them to share what they have been doing since their expedition with the GEORG STAGE. The Foundation's 2021 survey and previous surveys show that about 70 percent are or have been completing their seagoing service. In addition, there are students who are currently pursuing a maritime education, including those who are studying for a HF (Higher Preparatory Examination Course) with a view to applying for a maritime education.

"There are not enough responses from students for the survey to be valid, but it is a good indicator. Basically, it's about giving young people an education and a pathway to a career with many opportunities. The state support is actually a good investment," says Asser Amdisen.

“Every year we send a lot of young people out into the labour market and into education," says Asser Amdisen, director of the Georg Stage’s Memorial Foundation. Photo: The Georg Stage’s Memorial Foundation

FACTS ABOUT THE PROGRAMME:

The maritime training on the Georg Stage lasts 20 weeks. There is room for 63 students and 10 experienced mariners who live onboard the ship throughout the course.

Once they have completed their training and passed their exams, students can apply for a job onboard a ship and sign on as an OS. If at some point students would like to continue their studies, they also have the option to do so. If you want to be a student on the Georg Stage, you must meet the following requirements: • At least have passed the 9th grade • Be between 18 and 22 years old • Have a valid health certificate.

Application deadline for the 2023-1 expedition has expired. Application deadline for the 2023-2 expedition is 15 March 2023.

Read more at www.georgstage.dk OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

You can also become an OS or get similar training here: • Svendborg Maritime School • MARTEC in Frederikshavn • Training ship Denmark • HF Shipping in Frederikshavn,

Svendborg and Marstal.