Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has announced the launch of its groundbreaking educational initiative, the BSM Smart Academy, aimed at transforming the landscape of maritime education. In collaboration with esteemed maritime universities worldwide, this program seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical training, addressing the critical shortage of skilled labor in the maritime sector.
With the global merchant fleet expected to face a shortage of thousands of officers in the coming years, the need for innovative solutions to attract and cultivate talent has never been more pressing. BSM’s proactive approach with the Smart Academy demonstrates its commitment to meeting this challenge head-on by nurturing highly skilled seafarers.
The BSM Smart Academy offers a unique opportunity for nautical, technical, and electrical undergraduates from select maritime universities to become designated BSM cadets following their first year of study. This distinctive program not only equips students with academic expertise but also provides hands-on training tailored to meet the demands of the industry.
Eva Rodriguez, Director HR Marine of BSM, highlights the significance of engaging with future seafarers early in their academic journey, stating, “We enhance the education of future seafarers by engaging with them at an earlier stage.”
Central to the Smart Academy is its emphasis on providing cadets with a realistic and transparent training environment, both onshore and onboard. This comprehensive training, aligned with BSM standards, focuses on developing not only technical proficiency but also crucial behavioral competencies essential for success in multicultural maritime settings.
Moreover, recognizing the increasing digitalization of the maritime industry, the program includes specialized training to prepare cadets for leadership roles in an evolving technological landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate future challenges.
Rodriguez underscores the importance of bridging the gap between educational institutions and employers, emphasizing, “This initiative closes the gap between educators and employers by sharing knowledge, experience, and skill needs between the industry and the educational sector.”
BSM’s investment in crew education, training, and development underscores its commitment to addressing the crewing shortage while upholding safety standards. The Smart Academy program complements existing initiatives, including the postgraduate Cadet Programme and internal fleet transition programs, further bolstering BSM’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Rodriguez aptly summarizes the ethos behind the initiative, stating, “Seafarer education is costly. However, no education is even more costly.”
At its inception, the BSM Smart Academy will collaborate with select maritime universities across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and potentially South America. With plans to recruit up to 100 students in its inaugural year, the program aims to expand its global partner network, ushering in a new era of excellence in maritime education.
