ISSUE 7
SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2011
Enterprising future
Vision for 2020 Maritime milestone
CONTENTS
1.
White Paper
2. 4.
3D Technology
6. 7.
Music Industry
Record Rowing
Eco Ernie
10.
Vision for 2020
14.
Maritime Musings
15. 16.
Enterprise Guru
SMILEfest 2011 Page 2
Ship Handling
Art goes out Page 8
HOW TO CONTACT US: Send your news, views, queries and comments to: The Press and PR Officer, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0RB. Telephone: 023 8031 9040 Email: press.office@solent.ac.uk
Designed and published by: Southampton Solent University’s Marketing and Communications Service Printed by: Cedar Colour
Ship Handling Centre Page 16
PROFILE | ISSUE 7
Looking forward The long awaited White Paper on Higher Education was published on June 28. Much of its key content was trailed beforehand and there were few surprises. Beneath a commitment to the student ‘as consumer’ there is a clear intention to promote competition, drive down costs and stay within government spending constraints. There is a welcome commitment to social mobility and open access, but this is qualified by the cost to the taxpayer and an emphasis upon helping the most talented students from disadvantaged groups gain access to ‘elite’ universities. The most important policy changes concern fees and funding. The government will initially create a pool of 85,000 student places that universities can bid for from 2012/13 on either a ‘quality’ or ‘price’ basis. The pool will be created through an 8% cut in real numbers across the HE sector. Sixty five thousand of the places will be available to universities whose intake meets higher entry requirements (at least AAB at A Level) with a further 20,000 places open to those charging a fee of £7,500 or less. The latter is
explicitly (but not exclusively) open to Further Education colleges and private providers whom the government wishes to encourage both on cost and diversity grounds. However, we are optimistic that our £7,800 fee level, when translated into net terms, will mean that we qualify for the price-based numbers pool. The White Paper also identifies the need for universities to provide better information for students about courses, a quality regime that is proportionate to the individual needs of universities, and a new role for HEFCE as a regulator and ‘champion of the student consumer’.
The major strategic opportunities for Southampton Solent University, if demand can be maintained, include competing on price for greater student numbers, innovative partnership with Further Education and the development of employer engagement, employability and the enterprise agenda. If the University were a car company it would be a Skoda: VW technology and reliability, but better customer service and better value for money. Professor Van J Gore Vice-Chancellor
Of significant interest to Solent is the intention to continue the Widening Participation premium, although we are still awaiting further details. The White Paper also points to the possible removal of VAT for shared services, corporation tax reform, and addresses technical issues around the application of the National Minimum Wage to university students.
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You Gotta SMILE A host of Solent students have been inspired to make their mark in the music industry, after a glittering collection of new and established talent shared their skills, Right: stories ???and performances on Top left: ??? and off stage. The second Solent Music Industries Live Event (SMILE) built on the success of last year’s inaugural project organised by Music Journalism Course Leader Dr Martin James. His vision was to hold a concentrated week of talks, workshops and performances from industry experts, fusing enthusiasm with insight to help students identify achievable and exciting career paths. “The idea of SMILE is that students – who are both talented and dedicated – realise they can turn their skills and passions into rewarding employment in a flourishing industry,” explained Martin. This year’s five-day SMILE festival hosted 40 bands performing in nine Southampton venues, with more than 100 students taking part in course-related challenges and assessments. Meanwhile, top professionals – including 2 | Summer 2011
music journalists, rock photographers and festival organisers – lifted the lid on their lives at the vortex of a thriving industry.
well as the infamous Gallagher brothers at a deserted railway station – graced many album and music magazine covers.
“Students came face to face with key figures from the international music industries, during an eclectic mix of tasks and trials which saw them performing, producing and promoting,” said Martin.
On the performance end of the spectrum, special acts – including Gallows and Reverend and the Makers – shared their stories with a captivated audience, while Solent musicians gave established acts a run for their money at gigs across the city.
Music festival ace Mark Cann – right-hand man to Glastonbury guru Michael Eavis – talked of the mixture of meticulous planning and nail-biting mayhem that goes into the biggest performance arts festival in the world, and one where Solent students enjoy exclusive work experience opportunities. Rock photographer Pat Pope described how his admiration of the iconic David Bowie set him on his way to becoming a prolific music photographer. His shots – including a pensive portrait of Sting, as
Production and Performance students took over Solent’s music studios to record an album in one day, which received maximum exposure through an online campaign put together by Music Promotion students. “Many thought it couldn’t be done, but the students did an incredible job in just nine hours,” said Martin. Popular Music Journalism and Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing students
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produced a magazine in a day. Under the direction of Carl Loben, deputy editor of DJ magazine, and Iestyn George, former news editor of NME and features editor of GQ, the 20-page magazine, Audio Addict, surpassed expectations. “It was incredibly enjoyable to take up the challenge with the students, who all worked to an extremely high standard,” said Carl. Music promotion, media and performance students staged gigs for the region’s top acts – including Morning Parade and Identity Thief – at key venues including Hamptons, The Joiners and Pop. The festival culminated at Southampton’s Soul Cellar, with performances by some of the University’s hottest acts, including The Widowmaker and Fly Frankie Fly. “We had a fantastic week. Through
interaction and collaboration, our students were able to experience the processes involved in being a part of a professional team,” said Martin. After the two hugely successful SMILEs, industry stars are keen to add it to their diaries as a way to pass on knowledge and attract new talent. Music Producer and Bestival founder Rob Da Bank, said: “Solent students are an attentive audience and they’ve asked some cracking questions. As well as that, I’ve booked bands for Bestival on the back of SMILE. It’s something I’ll keep coming back to.” Carl Loben followed up this year’s event by offering one student work with DJ magazine. Karen Piper, of online promotion company Radarmaker, offered one Music Promotions student an invaluable summer placement.
SMILE CD This year saw the production of the first ever SMILEfest compilation CD, featuring some of Solent’s finest music talent. The 2011 Collection contains a vast range of styles by artists who are already making waves within the music industries. It was compiled by a level three Music Promotion team as part of a collaborative assessment and the music was drawn from more than 80 demos submitted by students for SMILE’s ‘Demo Jury’ event.
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ISSUE 7 | TECHNOLOGY
Screen goes faster Incredible equipment, great contacts and quality training is getting Solent’s graduates the cuttingedge jobs that are the future of film. The Maritime and Technology faculty has seen a three-fold increase in applicants impressed by the sound, broadcast and filming facilities that are among the best in the UK. Solent is the UK’s only university with its own 3D digital cinema facilities. One of the largest private screens in the country, it is equipped with more than 5,000 watts of digital sound. The 3D digital projector – an investment of more than £70,000 – gives students the chance to film and screen their work to the highest industry specs and learn about the underpinning technology. “No other university has this, so Solent 4 | Summer 2011
students are extremely fortunate. They’re getting to learn exciting skills first hand, giving them great employment prospects,” explained Senior Lecturer in Communications Engineering, Roger Lownsborough. The faculty also houses a newly equipped television studio, with three cameras, green screen, the latest sound and LED lighting equipment. It also enjoys the ability to take live feeds from its outside broadcast unit. A £100,000 Sony camera, and £120,000 worth of equipment includes a vision mixer gifted from MTV. With expert advice from lecturers and contacts
the only uni with 3D digital cinema from graduates working in MTV, Dolby and Sony, Solent students are on track to shine in one of the fastest growing industries. “Solent students have all the technology that they would expect to come across in the industry, covering live events or broadcasting from television studios. Once they see what we have, prospective students are desperate to get on our courses,” said Roger.
TECHNOLOGY | ISSUE 7
Technology keeps companies on track A system that follows people’s eye movements as they navigate computer screens is helping businesses to improve their online appeal. Solent University’s usability lab explores the effectiveness of websites through a range of scientific tests, including an eye tracker, which maps exactly where people are looking and clicking when they go on screen. “The eye tracker allows companies to view precisely where users look and do not look on their website when given certain tasks. For example, you can tell if users notice buttons, links, menus or images when asked to buy a product on a website,” explained Solent’s Lead User Experience Consultant, Lester Weier. Using a range of integrated facilities, including recording equipment, one way mirrors and soundproofed rooms, the usability facility can test how people use video games and websites by examining how they track tools such as links and search engines. “Observers can watch groups of computerusers navigating their way through websites. They can record facial expressions – such as confusion or satisfaction – and ongoing comments. A range of other behaviours, including recordings of time spent on different areas of the screen, mean that an invaluable mix of quantitative and qualitative data can build up a thorough picture,” explained Senior Lecturer in Computing, David Cox.
But it is the eye tracker – developed by Swedish company, Tobii – that is proving most useful for an increasing number of students, academics and businesses, who have used it to avoid making the kind of mistakes that leave browsers muddled, maddened or just mixed up. Eye tracking provides objective data through a heat seeking series of dots that picks up the rapid movements of eyes. It gives a unique insight into first glances, search patterns and failed searches. “Solent’s usability lab – with this variety of tools – is particularly useful for companies who can do the research and then, based on the results, approach stakeholders for support with website changes or avoid costly mistakes. “There are very few places available in the region with the eye tracker,” explained Lester. “It adds to the valuable information we are giving on what devices attract attention and where important content should be placed, the clarity of symbols and areas that are looked at but not clicked on.”
“The eye tracker allows companies to view where users look…” The high-tech equipment is just part of the appeal of the sessions, which include expert staff being able to carry out live test viewing, analysis, statistical data, recommendations, participant feedback and post-test interview responses. Former Southampton City Council Stakeholder Manager, Claire Hall, said: “We used the Solent usability facilities to improve our family focused website. Being able to see real-time web customer interaction enabled us to plan changes to make our website more user friendly and increase online traffic.”
As well as hundreds of students testing out the usefulness of their own websites for degree projects, the usability sessions have been used by external companies, including Skandia, Southampton City Council and Aviva.
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ISSUE 6 | SPORT
NEWS IN BRIEF
Film legend’s fellowship Film legend, Sir Alan Parker, came on to campus to accept a Visiting Fellowship. The Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning writer, director and producer was interviewed in front of an audience of Film and TV students and staff before getting his award from Faculty of the Creative Industries and Society Dean, Professor Rod Pilling. Sir Alan – director of Bugsy Malone, Midnight Express, Fame, Pink Floyd: The Wall, Mississippi Burning, The Commitments, Evita and Angela’s Ashes - advised Solent’s young filmmakers to retain their vision and do their prep before shooting.
Paralympics make a splash Hampshire school children with physical, sensory and learning difficulties were given the chance to get involved in watersports, thanks to an interactive event sponsored by Solent University. ‘Capture the Wave’ was held at Active Nation Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in Southampton to encourage children to take advantage of local sailing, swimming and rowing opportunities. The event was held in collaboration with Sport Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council.
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Record breaking rowers Two Solent University student rowers smashed the World and British indoor 24 hour rowing records, while raising more than £2,000 for charity. BA (Hons) Sport (Coaching and Development) student, Andy Hammond and Officer Cadet (Marine Operations) Richard Boydon rowed more than 250km on a Concept2 rowing machine, breaking the indoor Under-20 world and 20-29 British heavyweight records for the furthest distance rowed in 24 hours. Andy – who recently achieved the 500 metre Lightweight gold at the Welsh, Scottish and English Championships – kept up an average speed of 10.5km per hour to smash the existing Men’s Under-20 Indoor world record with a staggering 265, 386m. He said: “I couldn’t have broken the record on my own. Having Richard by my side, as well as the support of Solent students and staff made it possible.” Richard, who won a gold medal for 2000m Heavyweight at the Scottish
National Championships earlier this season, broke the British 20-29 Indoor Heavyweight record after rowing more than 274,000 metres. He said: “I’d only ever rowed continuously for three hours before the attempt, so this was a real challenge. I had a couple of low periods, but when I realised I was actually in with a chance, I pushed myself further.” Both rowers, who raised £2,000 for Help for Heroes through the record-breaking event, burnt more than 30,000 calories and kept themselves going with flapjacks and energy bars. Recreation Supervisor (Health and Fitness) James Grant said: “Andy and Richard’s record breaking performances highlighted the dedication, commitment and drive of the whole Solent rowing team, which has won 22 medals in both indoor and outdoor rowing this season.”
ENTERPRISE | ISSUE 6
Enterprising Ernie Social enterprises – not-for-profit organisations run on business models – are playing an increasingly important role in our communities. Solent University’s social enterprise project, Eco Ernie, is giving students the opportunity to develop important skills, while helping to improve the lives of Southampton residents.
The recycling float has won a string of awards since it was launched two years ago to help clean up the studentpopulated Polygon area of the city. Project leader Louise Drake was recently awarded a prestigious UnLtd/Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) award, while Eco Ernie was also shortlisted for the 2011 National Recycling Awards. The project also received the Times Higher Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award and the Local Government Chronicle Award for Community Involvement. Many were impressed by the innovation
and creative partnerships involved in the community-based recycling initiative – underpinned by staff and student volunteers in partnership with the City Council, Baptist Church and local charities. Eco Ernie has generated significant funds for charities through collecting unwanted textiles from students as they leave their rented homes in the Summer. Last year, the project gave the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance its biggest ever textile donation, which was credited with helping to keep it airborne. While a range of charities across Southampton benefitted from collections of bric-a-brac, books and electrical equipment, the tidier streets and co-operative approach to doorstep recycling improved relations between students and residents. Project leader Louise Drake said: “The project stands out because of the strength of the partnerships we’ve created in the community.
…many were impressed by the innovation… “The awards highlight the success of Eco Ernie and the hard work of every person who has been involved. I hope my own award inspires others to give their idea a go, no matter how wild or crazy it may seem. If you have the passion and dedication, anything can be achieved.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor Richard Blackwell added: “Volunteering and social enterprise activities will form a key part of Solent University’s future strategy and ‘offer’ to students.”
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ARTS | ISSUE 7
Out there art Diverse exhibitions, exciting events and unique installations are inspiring more people to get creative, thanks to the University’s move to take art to the people. The University is set to run a new public gallery and exhibition space – the first major initiative in Southampton’s new arts quarter. It is also opening a city centre school of art and design, which will offer arts and special effects facilities for students and community groups. The new developments come after a great year for ‘outside art’ through the University’s Millais off-site projects, which have hosted a range of community events and exhibitions, showcasing local artists, at sites across the city. Millais Off-Site used an empty shop in the city’s Bargate Mall to host exhibitions that could be accessed by people not normally exposed to art, especially youngsters.
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It held three exhibitions, including the popular Stuff and Nonsense, staged for the first time by Level 2, BA (Hons) Fine Art students. Looking Back, an installation by Victoria Wareham, Brian Hooper, Jeff Henry and SoCo Community Music Project, was a haunting mixture of film and sound using historical songs from Southampton.
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The Girls: the Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo Story involved artists Zoe Sinclair and Andrea Blood, with Solent University students, putting together two photo-story magazines in an environment reminiscent of a 1980s pop video, awakening a nostalgic reference to a bygone Britain. In the University’s own Sir James Matthews Building exhibitions were varied, including Antifascistas, the moving pictorial story of the 2,500 volunteers who joined the International Brigades to defend democracy during the Spanish Civil War.
Metamorphosis was the result of a fascinating project exploring identity involving art produced by the Wessex Youth Offending Team working with Solent photographers Kristianne Drake and Tom Stollard. Collaborating as ‘boredomresearch’, Southampton-based Vicky Isley and Paul Smith used computer modelling techniques to produce works inspired by nature, in Brilliant Cloud. Sorted was a diverse culmination of Fine Art, Photography and Illustration degree programmes which included films, photographs, drawings, paintings, printmaking and sculpture. I Want to Believe presented work by artists influenced by science fiction through literature, television or film, and included a well attended conference. Channel looked at visual representations of England’s most symbolic stretch of water. The University commissioned Ray Smith to produce a temporary installation featuring the Spitfire – designed in Southampton by R J Mitchell – completing a 360 degree roll over the Hampshire countryside on the outside windows of the Sir James Matthews Building, overlooking the cenotaph. Katayoun Dowlatshahi used photography to build an illusory image on the NorthEast corner of the Sir James Matthews building in her piece, Beyond the Looking Glass. Flower Power – comprising Hampshire artist Jane Kilford and Southampton City Council’s Open Spaces and Junior Neighbourhood Wardens schemes – is
“ the new gallery will capitalise on recent projects…” inspiring youngsters to choose and plant flowers in Southampton’s central parks. Other projects included Solent Illustration Lecturer Jonny Hannah’s Christmas Tree, a witty alternative to the festive favourite installed in the University’s East Park Terrace reception area. Millais Off-Site Curator Les Buckingham said: “The University has some great sites which directly connect with the public, especially in the centre of town. The new city centre gallery will be able to capitalise on the recent projects and make a great contribution to Southampton’s new cultural quarter.” Images 1: A detail of Brilliant Cloud, by Boredom Research (Vicky Isley and Paul Smith) 2: Stacey Rutten, Etching and aquatint, 2011, bought for the SSU collection. 3: I nternational Brigades go to the front in the Spanish Civil War, in Antifascistas in the foyer of the Sir James Matthews. 4: T he Girls: the Paper Eaters get dressed up for their show at the Bargate. 5: Ray Smith, 360 Degree Roll, 2010. Semi-permanent commission for the north wall of the Sir James Matthews Building, Southampton Solent University. 6: Alice Wall, Ice Bath, 2010, Performance. Photography by Eleanor Pattison. 7: Flower Power. Ongoing project with pupils, designing and planting flower beds for the city parks. Summer 2011 | 9
VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • ISSUE 6 | DEVELOPMENT
FOUR PAGE SPECIAL
Vision for 2020 They’re talented, tenacious and too good to lose. That’s the message behind Solent University’s drive to keep Southampton’s graduates in the region. As part of that drive, the University recently launched Vision for 2020 to create £10m worth of local graduate jobs. With more than £11.6m – the equivalent of 1,041 individual posts – being pledged by businesses, the campaign was hailed a phenomenal success. Vision for 2020, backed by the Southern Daily Echo and local business leaders, was launched after it was revealed that two thirds of graduates left Southampton after finishing their studies – meaning that many Hampshire employers were failing to bag the best and brightest. Within weeks, with the help of University based recruitment service Graduate Jobs South, more than £10m worth of jobs were created for local graduates, which was great news for students, employers and the local economy. The campaign culminated in the Vision for 2020 symposium, held at the University to thank businesses for their support and to share views on the future development of the city’s economy. It included rousing talks by BBC South Current Affairs Editor, Jane French; Hampshire Economic 10 | Summer 2011
Partnership Chief Executive, Paul Kinvig; Skandia Marketing Director, Nick Dixon; and Solent University Chair of the Board of Governors, Grahame Sewell. Education, business and council leaders have pledged to continue to improve the employment prospects of Southampton’s graduates while boosting the region’s economy, through encouraging opportunities in industry and entrepreneurship. Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “The Vision for 2020 campaign, with its target to create £10m worth of graduate jobs, required us all to stretch ourselves. In these challenging and uncertain times, that is exactly what we need to do and the commitment shown by the business community helped us to achieve our campaign goal. We will now continue to work together to ensure our talented graduates get brilliant jobs locally. ” Southampton City Council Chief Executive Andrew Neill said Solent University was vital for the growth of the city and the council was fully behind its drive for graduate retention. He was
Quality of life is number one; number two is local employers being open to the idea of finding the bright young things, the next generation. These young people need to be given the space to learn their trade and make their mistakes and we need to contribute to their creativity, freshness and energy. Chris Carnegie, BBC Radio Solent
especially keen to back the University’s entrepreneurs: “As city leaders, we should encourage these young people to take their future into their own hands by building their own businesses,” he said. Stewart Dunn, Managing Director of the Daily Echo’s parent company, Newsquest, said: “Vision for 2020 is a fine example of what can be achieved when Hampshire’s businesses and education institutions work together to improve the future of our young people.”
DEVELOPMENT | ISSUE 6
• VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020
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VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • ISSUE 6 | AWARDS
Stars of Enterprise New and growing businesses are the lifeblood of any city and Southampton Solent University is providing an effective springboard for innovative entrepreneurs who are already contributing to job creation and future wealth. Solent’s Student Entrepreneur Programme gives students training and support in setting up businesses and self-employment. More than 100 businesses have been set up through the scheme since 2006 and 40% are still trading.
“Graduate retention plays a huge part in developing Southampton’s economy. We need to ensure home grown talent finds the right place to develop. That means graduates having choice, flexibility and excellent career development opportunities. Solent University has a fantastic track record of connecting its students with jobs.” Alistair Neill, Chief Executive, Southampton City Council
Commercial climbers Balancing a career with a thirst for adventure led former Outdoors Adventure Management students James Baker and Tim Miller to set up an extreme sports travel company. They now run one of the world’s best known rock climbing companies, organise worldwide trips for scuba divers and run climbing sessions for people in Southampton. Tim and James started up the business in their final year at Solent University: “We’re entrepreneurial people with a passion for the outdoors. Solent’s degree course helped us to hone our business skills and we saw a gap in the market,” said James. The lads set up Freedom Adventures,
organising scuba diving trips for university groups and within 18 months they bought rock climbing holiday specialists Rock and Sun and took over the management of the climbing wall at St Mary’s Leisure Centre in Southampton. They now have a customer database exceeding 5,000 and employ around 30 full and part-time staff. “It’s a challenging industry, but we’re extremely keen and committed,” said James.
Cleaning up Former Solent University student, Bereka Sirntayhu, began her cleaning business with just one client. Five years on and with the help and support of the University’s entrepreneurial programme, Ebenezer is a truly local outfit – employing local people working in the city centre area.
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“My major achievements included securing contracts with four big Southampton organisations. I’m now targeting offices in Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth to increase my client portfolio,” said Bereka.
• VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 • VISION FOR 2020 FASHION | ISSUE 6
Keeping our talented graduates Business pundits say better graduate employment boosts the local economy - and it’s this win-win situation that keeps Solent striving for its students. As well as enabling employment opportunities to flourish through its website recruitment and placement service, Graduate Jobs South, Solent University is supporting more student and graduate entrepreneurs and encouraging organisations to open up internships. The University is offering 100 internships to its own graduates every year and has challenged other firms to match or beat the figure. It’s also helping more of its enterprising students through an enhanced programme to accelerate entrepreneurship. Hampshire Economic Partnership Chief
Executive, Paul Kinvig, stressed the importance of ensuring the graduate employment rate reflects regional recruitment. He said: “An integral part of a thriving economy is the retention in the area of the maximum number of graduates from our world-class institutions. “We must encourage and underpin entrepreneurship and business creation, and help the path of our graduates and their relevant knowledge into our local businesses and organisations.” Business leaders are also banging the drum for internships, which can offer
“Solent University is strong in entrepreneurship, which is where jobs are going to come from in the future; we hope that will lead to more start-ups, identifying gaps in the market, developing products and bringing employment and business to the city.”
valuable experience for graduates and prove a rich resource for businesses. Institute of Directors for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s Grant Harrison, said: “As business leaders, we are committed to nurturing any opportunity which engages universities with the private sector to enable graduates to gain experience in the workplace. “Although full-time jobs are a priority, internships play an important role in acclimatising young people to the workplace. Universities help young people get better paid, more satisfying jobs which add real value to the economy.” “ The portfolio offered to Solent University students is very relevant for the region’s businesses. For instance, there are strong maritime, media and sports management courses. Graduates who can actually go out and do a job almost immediately are really valuable.” Grant Harrison, Chairman of the Institute of Directors for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Jimmy Chestnutt, Director of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce “I’ve been hiring Solent University graduates for two years. They are enthusiastic and hard-working. They bring fresh ideas into the environment and they help to provide the skills my company needs.” Anthony Mayfield, Managing Director, Aplos Systems
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ISSUE 7 | SOLENT PEOPLE
Bob’s a hull of a guy! Bob Joughin, Deputy Director of Warsash Maritime Academy and Head of Maritime Training started lecturing at Warsash in1976 and is due to retire after 35 years at Warsash. The former ships’ officer reflects on a changing industry and gives sound advice to the cadets of the future… Beginnings My cousin was a deck officer who came home with tales of adventure. This was before jumbo jets and long distance holidays, so his lifestyle had a strong appeal. I grew up near London’s Royal Docks, so from an early age I knew about shipping companies, ships and cargoes. I started my career aboard general cargo vessels on the liner trades between Europe, East Africa and India, and later served on passenger liners and refrigerated cargo ships on routes between Europe and Australia and New Zealand. When shipping companies amalgamated through containerisation I worked on vessels ranging from bulk carriers to roll on – roll off ferries. Crest of the wave Career highlights included being on the bridge for an entry into Sydney harbour at sunrise, and the satisfaction of detecting a lighthouse at the right time and in the right position after a long ocean passage in the days before satnavs. We used sextants to take sun and star sights, just like Captain Cook. I had a lot of responsibility at an early age; both ships and their cargoes were worth millions. There was a lot of pride in running a 14 | Summer 2011
smart ship, and carrying and discharging cargoes in good condition. Starting at Warsash In the 1970s container ships displaced conventional cargo liners and many UK shipping companies were disbanded. I studied for a degree in Nautical Studies at Plymouth Polytechnic and was recruited as a lecturer at Warsash after attending a fire fighting course there. On the job Operations are now more efficient and ships spend little time in port. They’re bigger and technically more complex. Job satisfaction now is more about coping with these changes and less about foreign travel. Out of hours I’m not a small-boat enthusiast. I prefer going to sea in something large and safe – preferably nothing under 30,000 tonnes. Passions I’m increasing my links with Southampton’s Centre for Seafarers, which caters for the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of ships’ crew members. It helps them to get ashore for some rest and to contact their families.
The Centre’s staff play an important role when seafarers need extra help if they become ill, or if they are left stranded by disreputable companies. Seafarers deserve our support, especially as we live in a port city. They tend to be out of sight and out of mind and all too often we take them for granted. Warsash is great because… International requirements are constantly changing. Maritime education has become more realistic, with the use of bridge and manned model ship handling simulation. Warsash Maritime Academy has a global reputation for the high quality of its courses and I’m very proud of that. Advice to cadets going into the maritime industry There are very good career opportunities in the operation and management of today’s technically sophisticated vessels. Ships’ officers gain a lot of experience and responsibility at an early age. This counts for a lot in a wide range of maritime related jobs and people going to sea need to consider the full variety of options available, whether they stay at sea or eventually come ashore.’
SOLENT PEOPLE | ISSUE 7
Accelerating Enterprise Solent Enterprise Manager Stephen Brown says Solent University is the UK’s most entrepreneurially dynamic university. He’s helped more than 70 students turn their bright ideas into fully fledged businesses and, he says, there’s plenty more to come. Beginnings My first job was with electrical heating manufacturer, Dimplex. By the time I left, I was managing a £7 million budget. I joined Solent University in 2000 and I loved it. I worked with the Community Enterprise Office, the forerunner of the enterprise centres and the start of SPEED (Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education). Through SPEED, I gave mentoring, training and financial support to 70 student start-ups. I loved helping young people to develop their ideas; giving them the practical training they needed. It was real ‘how-to’ advice, including business development plans and book-keeping, the stuff that turns a good idea into a viable business. After SPEED, I managed the Solent Productions Enterprise Centre. It was a privilege to work with creative professionals and to derive an insight into the visual media. We were involved in more than 100 projects. And now... As Enterprise Manager with Solent’s Accelerating Enterprise team, I’m supporting enterprising students through
training, mentoring and financial help. The scheme – developed through the University’s Strategic Development programme – is also embedding entrepreneurial training and support into the curriculum and offering short courses so that even more students will be exposed to enterprise training. Your ethos is... Enterprise opportunities should be available to everyone, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and not just those ‘destined’ for success. How you help students Hard advice, in areas like business plans, contracts, sales calls and protecting ideas, with the ‘softer’ stuff, like building confidence. About 50% of viable businesses never take off because of fear of failure. Someone may have a great idea that could genuinely fly, but they never do anything about it. I’m fascinated by what drives people to start businesses. While passion, determination and energy can determine success, effective training and tailoring can reduce chances of failure.
I’ve supported. But success is something that should be judged on how far people have developed and not just on how much money their business is making at any one time. The entrepreneurial journey can vary. Some people learn important lessons in their 20s but will not really be ready to start a business until their 40s, for instance. I could single out Bereka Sintanyehu, who came to the UK from Ethiopia. We supported her in setting up a cleaning business. She started with a few cleaning tools and now employs three Somalian women. It’s a small, but effective business. But, we’ve had really good results right across the board. More than 40% of the students we support are still trading three years later – that’s a really good statistic and it’s great for the wealth of Southampton. What are those businesses? Hugely diverse. Successful students have set up business in areas including art, coffee shops, fashion design, film, illustration, software, tree surgery, graphic design and photography.
Most memorable students I could write a book about the students Summer 2011 | 15
ISSUE 7 | MARITIME
Ship Handling Centre is a winner When Solent University acquired Timsbury Lake, it took on a spectacular piece of history – so it’s fitting that the site will play a pivotal role in training the world’s supertanker pilots to make the seafaring safer. Warsash Maritime Academy’s new Ship Handling Centre is part of a major investment by the University to ensure the continued development of its specialised, world-class maritime training facilities – including vital safety training. The original manned model ship handling centre – one of only five in the world was moved from its 10-acre Marchwood site, where top training for the international shipping industry had taken place for more than 20 years.
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The acquisition and development of Timsbury, near Romsey, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the 9th century lake, which has, over the years, provided fish for the monks of Winchester, driven a medieval water mill and been the haunt of carp anglers. Now it hosts the Warsash manned models and classroom facilities, training pilots as they navigate their way through the specially built berths, basins and channels designed to recreate a variety of complex and hazardous scenarios.
…This is a terrific milestone… The building project presented an interesting challenge, involving transporting the fleet of nine-metre long electric powered models – including a tanker, a bulk carrier and a passenger ferry – by road.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Apprentice awards Southampton’s largest public sector employers celebrated the achievements of apprentices employed on the Southampton Skills Development Zone (SSDZ) during a special event hosted by the University.
There were also innovative schemes to protect the ecology of the lake, protecting the wildlife – including rare newts, otters and water voles.Tristan Norton, Senior Ecologist with ECOSA (Ecological, Survey and Assessment) said: “We worked with Solent University for two years to survey the wildlife on Timsbury Lake. It was a fantastic project, with everyone involved pulling together to make sure that ecological issues were at the top of the agenda. We built holts and water vole homes and enhanced ponds for newts. “Because the manned models are so quiet and there are only small numbers of people on the lake at one time, these species will continue to thrive.” Jason Gifford, Project Manager of Morgan Sindall said: “Timsbury was a complex project. We are proud of the sensitivity that went into managing the environmental and historic issues.” A topping out ceremony was attended by representatives from Morgan Sindall and Project Management and Construction Consultancy Gleeds, as well as Solent University and Warsash Maritime Academy. Senior Lecturer, Maritime Simulation, Peter Barber sailed a manned model out of the newly constructed wet dock for the first time and groups were given a trip on one of the centre’s skiffs. Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “This is a terrific milestone for the University and Warsash Maritime Academy, which should secure WMA’s position as a world leader in manned model ship handling.”
Director of Warsash Maritime Academy, Andy Hair, added: “Timsbury represents a major investment by the University on behalf of Warsash Maritime Academy that will keep us at the forefront of maritime training. Thirty years of experience has been utilised to make this facility stand out from our competitors. Feedback so far has been brilliant.” The University’s Chancellor, Admiral The Right Honourable Lord West of Spithead, officially opened the ship handling centre during a special ceremony attended by industry representatives and local residents. Five-times Olympic rowing Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave also agreed to swap his oars for the more technical approach to steering a manned model boat, during a separate visit in his role as ambassador for Gleeds. He was taken through his paces by ship handling centre senior lecturer Gordon Maxwell in a trip that involved him navigating purpose-built channels. He said: “It was quite hairy steering through the tight areas, especially with vessels coming the other way. “Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy Ship Handling Centre is an amazing facility, which helps pilots to prepare for a whole range of situations they could encounter in real life. Ultimately, it means they are much better able to handle an emergency,” he said.
The SSDZ – a city-wide initiative led by Solent University, with Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton City Council, Southampton PCT, Job Centre Plus and the Skills funding Agency – provides routes into jobs and further education for the workless, while helping local employers address skills and workforce development. Since its launch, 64 apprentices have been employed and 15 have been offered full-time jobs. During the celebration, achievement awards were presented to James Kellet, who worked for NHS Southampton City during his apprenticeship, and Linda Budd, who worked for Southampton Universities Hospitals NHS Trust. New faculty Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy and Faculty of Technology have joined together to form a new Maritime and Technology Faculty. John Millican (Director Warsash Maritime Academy) has been appointed Dean of the new faculty and retains strategic responsibility for Warsash Maritime Academy. Andrew Hair – who joined WMA nine years ago, after 19 years at sea as a Deck Officer with P&O Steam Navigation and P&O/Princess Cruises – has been appointed Director of Warsash Maritime Academy.
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Graduate Jobs South (GJS) ISSUE 7 | ??????
“We found the website very straight forward and easy to use. The positives have been the speed with which you can complete the recruitment process, and the saving of recruitment fees.� Chris Sharp, FourFront Ltd Thousands of students and graduates are registered on the site looking for graduate jobs, internships, placements, and volunteering opportunities.
What next? 1. Register online 2. Upload your vacancy 3. Candidates apply directly to the employer
www.graduatejobsouth.co.uk Supported by:
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