Championing Gen Z at METSTRADE 2024: Insights to Shape the Future of the Marine Industry
Posted-on January 2025 By
At METSTRADE 2024, Marine Resources hosted the first-ever panel discussion of its kind with the Young Professionals Club Gen Z panel. This pivotal event provided a unique platform for Gen Z professionals to share insights on how businesses can evolve to attract and retain young talent. The panel featured an impressive lineup of future leaders: Kate Carrington-Curtis, Assistant FF&E Designer at RWD, David Richardson, Marine Account Manager at Harken UK, Sophie Robertson, Sales Manager at Atlas Carbon Products, Ana Čalić, Business Development at Navela, and Adam Knowles, Partnerships Manager at Navily. Together, they discussed how this new generation is poised to shape the industry on their own terms, offering valuable perspectives on innovation, workplace culture, and the future of the marine sector. Their insights are helping pave the way for businesses to stay competitive and forward-thinking.
The Marine Industry is at a Crossroads
The need for transformation in the marine industry has never been more urgent. With an ageing workforce, the sector faces a significant challenge. Engaging with Gen Z is not just about filling vacancies but about creating an industry where the next generation feels valued, empowered and ready to lead innovation. Marine Resources is proud to champion this demographic, ensuring their perspectives were heard at one of the industry’s most prestigious global events. Without concerted efforts to attract young talent, the marine industry risks a critical shortage of skilled professionals. Speaking during the panel, Adam Knowles, Partnerships Manager at Navily, remarked, “We need to approach it differently - simply offering the smallest opportunities in the industry won’t secure the future. We must engage Gen Z in a way that truly makes an impact.” The stakes are high. Within the next decade, a significant proportion of the current workforce will retire. Without new, dynamic talent entering the sector, the industry risks not only losing invaluable expertise but also its ability to innovate and adapt to future challenges. Attracting Gen Z is about more than recruitment - it’s about safeguarding the marine industry’s future.
So, what exactly do Gen Z want from the marine industry?
A Culture of Flexibility and Sustainability
To resonate with Gen Z professionals, companies need to embrace flexibility, transparency, and sustainability. Ana Čalić, Business Development at Navela, shared an important perspective during the panel: “Maybe we just need to kind of change the language a little bit - how we’re framing some of the roles.” Adjusting how careers are presented can make opportunities more appealing to a younger, more diverse audience. Surprisingly, Gen Z does want to be in an office, valuing in-person collaboration, networking, and the sense of community that comes with working together. However, they also expect flexibility. Hybrid models, combining both office and remote work, are particularly attractive.
Shifting the Work-Life Paradigm
Gen Z is reshaping the work-life dynamic. They prioritise life over work but still want to excel in their careers. “For Gen Z, work should fit around life,” explained James Ward, CEO of Marine Resources. Rigid schedules and an “all work, all the time” mentality are significant turn-offs for this generation. Marine companies that adopt flexible working conditions—whether remote days or adjustable hours—will likely see greater employee satisfaction and loyalty. A culture that supports personal well-being leads to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
Flexibility and Autonomy
Flexibility is key to retaining Gen Z professionals. This generation values autonomy, and if employers trust them to manage their time and deliver results, they will reciprocate with hard work and dedication. Without these aspects, turnover will be high. “Gen Z expects flexibility, and if companies don’t provide it, they’ll leave,” Ward cautioned. Businesses that foster an environment of trust will retain employees and benefit from their dedication and loyalty.
Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
Mentorship and trust are essential for retaining Gen Z professionals. This generation values being supported by experienced mentors as they navigate their careers and develop their skills. Sophie Robertson, Sales Manager at Atlas Carbon Products, shared her experience: “I took over my job from an amazing chap who was my mentor for a couple of years. He’d been in the industry for decades, starting as a boat builder, and he mentored me into the role, giving me a fantastic insight into his little snapshot of the industry. In return, I was able to bring a fresh, Gen Z perspective to the role.” By providing mentorship, companies foster a culture of belonging and engagement. Flexibility and trust further enhance this dynamic, empowering Gen Z professionals to manage their time and deliver results autonomously. Robertson added, “That knowledge-sharing between generations is invaluable. It creates a cycle of learning and innovation that benefits everyone.” Offering mentorship and autonomy helps attract young talent while building loyalty and encouraging skill-sharing across generations, ensuring the marine industry stays dynamic and competitive.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Even if technology isn’t part of their primary role, Gen Z is eager to help businesses become more technically advanced. Growing up surrounded by digital technologies, they are adept at adopting new tools, software, and systems. Their eagerness to innovate can help marine companies modernise processes and embrace eco-friendly and sustainable practices, keeping the industry competitive in an ever-evolving market.
The Speed of Learning and Adaptation
Another standout insight was how quickly Gen Z learns and adapts. They thrive when given opportunities to stretch their skills and grow. For marine companies, offering growth opportunities and professional development allows Gen Z employees to thrive, ensuring businesses remain at the forefront of innovation. David Richardson, Marine Account Manager at Harken UK, highlighted this trait: “When a new sales system is introduced, Gen Z often knows how to use it before any formal training. Their initiative and intuitive understanding of technology set them apart from previous generations.” This ability to quickly adapt and innovate makes Gen Z an invaluable asset to businesses aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
Building a Future-Proof Marine Industry
By prioritising flexibility, autonomy, and sustainability, marine companies can ensure they are not only attracting top talent but also positioning themselves for long-term success. Gen Z’s tech-savviness, adaptability, and enthusiasm for innovation provide businesses with a unique opportunity to evolve and stay competitive. The time to act is now. Companies that fail to embrace these shifts risk being overtaken by competitors that better align with the needs of tomorrow's workforce. The marine industry must evolve alongside Gen Z. If we don’t, we risk being left behind.
10 Years to Save the Marine Industry: The Urgency of Attracting Young Talent
The marine industry faces a critical challenge: an ageing workforce. According to industry insights and studies from Marine Resources, the sector’s workforce is getting older, and without attracting younger talent, the industry risks a shortage of skilled professionals. With what James Ward, CEO at Marine Resources, believes is just 10 years to act, businesses must make concerted efforts to attract and retain Gen Z professionals or face a talent crisis that could jeopardise the industry’s future. To stay competitive, businesses must step up now—rethink how we engage with Gen Z, offer them real opportunities and create an environment where they can thrive. The next decade is crucial, and the decisions we make today will determine whether we have the talent needed to sustain and grow the industry. Marine Resources is committed to driving this change. By amplifying Gen Z voices at METSTRADE 2024, we are not only advocating for the next generation but also paving the way for a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable marine industry.
With thanks to the METSTRADE 2024 Young Professionals Club panel: Kate Carrington-Curtis, David Richardson, Sophie Robertson, Ana Čalić, and Adam Knowles, whose insights and expertise helped shape this discussion.
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