An OCEAN of Opportunities

Children & youth

Apr 13

Who: VilVite and Maritim Bergen

What: Annual event for young students to promote education within natural science and maritime sector.

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2023

Web: VilVite

Et HAV av muligheter – (an OCEAN of opportunities) is an annual event for young students to promote education within natural science and maritime sector. The next conference will be held 8th of February 2023 at VilVite, Bergen Science center.

Et HAV av muligheter is arranged in collaboration with Maritim Bergen.

“Et HAV av muligheter” is a recruitment event aimed for secondary school, 9th and 10th grade and high school students (Norwegian VGS) in order to introduce them to the various professions and opportunities within the maritime sector as well as natural science and the technical side of the maritime industry. Teachers, advisors and adult persons working in the industry are important role models and will eventually influence the younger students when they decide which direction of their further studies. Experience also shows that good role models is key in order to recruit the younger generation.

The industry depends on young people with the relevant competence

The maritime industry is one of the largest industries in Norway and there are numerous of profession opportunities within the industry. Historically there are unfortunately not many girls choosing the maritime industry. The main topic of this conference has in the past been to promote the maritime industry to girls but in 2021 we decided to open up for boys as well. The maritime and shipping industry has historically been very important for the coast line in Norway. Norwegians has been known for their trade with Europe all the way back to the Hanseatic times from the 13th to 15th century. We need to educate and keep the recruitment high in order for Norway to keep the leading role in the maritime sector in the future. We have received feedback from parents, students and teachers that boys also needs this recruitment day and we therefore opened up for the boys as well.

In today’s environment and the transition into the digital and green future, we are certainly dependent of young people with the relevant competence. They need to be aware of the possibilities within natural science and maritime sector, sooner rather than later, in order to choose the right path for the future.