Sefton Sea Cadets learn new skills at LJMU Maritime Centre

LJMU’s Maritime Centre hosted a group of young people from Sefton Sea Cadets for two days of activities in the university’s cutting-edge maritime simulation suites during the February school half term.

The Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets from the local Sefton unit were introduced to a range of skills in ship-handling, navigation and engineering in the university’s range of simulation spaces used to teach and train people essential maritime industry skills.

They had the opportunity to put their learning into practice as they undertook a range of virtual scenarios – from commanding at the bridge of a ship to the needs of berthing a big cruise ship whilst operating modern tugs - building a better understanding of team working and decision-making.

The activity was organised as part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access and participation in higher education, as well as its pledge to support cadet groups and adult volunteers in the community under the Armed Forces Covenant.

Experts from the university’s maritime programmes have supported training for the unit’s Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in the simulation suites to enable them to lead more cadet learning on campus in the future.

The experience has been marvellous. The cadets don’t have these facilities within their units so to come to LJMU and see all the different simulators; it’s a really good learning experience. They can go back to their unit with enhanced navigational skills, plus they all know what a radar looks like now.

Lt (SCC) Carol Hankey RNR, Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Office for the North West

Lt (SCC) Hankey RNR added: “It is also about knowing what the university offers too - what does it mean for their futures? They are all roughly 15 or 16 years old and are going to be looking at further opportunities. By having this experience, it may really inspire them.”

Dr Abdul Khalique, Head of LJMU’s Maritime Centres, said that opportunities like this provide practical, hands-on experience to young adults like the Sea Cadets, enabling them to make educated career choices. He also said that it was pleasing to see the excitement on these young faces after their experience in the simulators, affirming their career choice. After this experience, he added, many may return to LJMU for their higher studies or research in the maritime domain with LJMU.

Sefton Sea Cadets said: “We’re so grateful for this opportunity to engage with LJMU and to spend some quality training time within the maritime simulation suites. Our cadets have had an excellent experience, which will enrich their widening knowledge of maritime career opportunities, and life on the bridge of a ship. We would welcome the opportunity to engage with this activity again, as it really brings our theoretical navigation training to life, enabling a wider view of the opportunities available at sea.”

A schedule of future events to welcome even more Sea Cadets onto campus, as well as other groups from the Royal Navy, Air Force and the Army Cadets, are currently being explored as part of a wider collaboration led by the university’s Global Centre for Maritime Innovation in conjunction with the Armed Forces Steering Group.

Inspiring students to progress

LJMU encourages the progression to higher education for everyone and works closely with local communities, including schools, to overcome barriers, supporting informed choices and introducing learners to university life. Find out more about LJMU’s outreach activities.  

Maritime excellence at LJMU

The university is recognised internationally for its long-standing maritime excellence and expertise, and its contributions to the industry worldwide.

In November 2024, LJMU announced that it is to bring together its world-leading maritime education, research and innovation through a new Global Centre for Maritime Innovation.

Find out more about the LJMU Maritime Centre and maritime research at LJMU, and options for study in a range of engineering, computer science and mathematics subjects.

LJMU’s support for the Armed Forces community

LJMU signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021. Since then, it has appointed its first Armed Forces Champion and formed a cross-university Armed Forces Steering Group, which brings together colleagues across all factions of the university to drive forwards everything from research to HR policy development, all with the aim of better supporting students and staff from the Armed Forces community and creating positive change for the community across the UK.

In August 2024, LJMU was awarded gold status under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgement of the work being undertaken in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Find out more about LJMU’s pledge to the Armed Forces community.