The future workforce in the maritime industry:
Students explore career opportunities at Port of Hirtshals
Hirtshals and the surrounding area is a hub of exciting educational and career opportunities within the maritime sector. However, these opportunities are not always recognised by younger residents in the region. To change that perspective, four major companies in and around Port of Hirtshals opened their doors to students from the school Lundergård from Hjørring to inspire the students to consider a future in the maritime industry.
There are numerous and diverse job opportunities in the town of Hirtshals, yet for many primary school students, the Port of Hirtshals is primarily associated with jobs directly connected to fishing and ferry operations. Through the project Brobyg Nord, four major companies are now helping to broaden the horizon of students from year 7 and 8 at Lundergård, a part of Nordvestskolen in Hjørring, by taking them on a guided tour through the many career opportunities in the maritime town.
- It has been a fantastic day with the 44 students, and I believe many of them were pleasantly surprised by the variety of job roles here in Hirtshals. There are countless opportunities within maritime services, but the Port of Hirtshals also offers a wide range of opportunities in administrative jobs in areas such as marketing, sales, and freight. Additionally, one can pursue a career as chef, researcher, or engineer, says Ditte Sørensen, Head of Marketing at Port of Hirtshals.
A bridge between work and school
The programme of the day included four destinations, with the students divided into smaller groups. Fjord Line provided insight into procurement, HR, freight, and retail operations. MarineShaft guided students through daily work as industrial technicians, ship fitters, and accountants. Smyril Line focused on career opportunities in freight forwarding, logistics, and warehouse management. Nordsøen Oceanarium let students dive into roles such as biologist, electrician, diver, and blacksmith.
The initiative to bring more students to the Port of Hirtshals was launched in 2020 by Port of Hirtshals, Fjord Line, and Lundergård with the aim of expanding students' awareness of career possibilities and aspirations in Hirtshals. Michelle Larsen, HR Partner at Fjord Line, reflects proudly on five years of the project:
- It is incredible to witness the curiosity and ‘aha’ moments the students get when they realise the vast range of jobs available with us—both on land and at sea. If we can ignite a spark in just one of them, we have made a difference, and that is exactly why we participate in Brobyg Nord.
Ditte Sørensen hopes to one day greet the students at the Port of Hirtshals as part of the workforce:
- The name ‘Brobyg Nord’ reflects our vision of building a bridge between school and working life at the Port of Hirtshals. Our hope is that, in the future, we can welcome the students back to the town and call them our colleagues or business partners.