Beacon Foundation acknowledges AMC team for regional impact

Inspiring high school students to explore careers in the maritime sector is what brings joy and satisfaction to Jess Rice and Dr Samrat Ghosh from the Australian Maritime College (AMC) at the University of Tasmania.

Now the Associate Head of Future Students, Dr Ghosh has worked in the maritime and shipping industry for decades, while Ms Rice is the Training and Compliance Officer at AMC, supporting young people to consider a large range of opportunities at their fingertips in the maritime industry.

The pair was recognised recently as the Beacon Foundation's Top Volunteers, celebrating their outstanding contributions to youth education and community engagement across Tasmania.

Through their dedicated work with the Beacon Foundation - a national not-for-profit organisation aimed at supporting young people in their working futures, and based in Hobart, they have worked with hundreds of students in grades 7-12.

They've travelled to regional schools including Smithton, Burnie, Penguin, Devonport, and Wynyard, and with the support of a TASPorts community grant, they were also able to visit schools on King Island and Flinders Island.

They also hosted students from schools such as Queechy High School and Kings Meadows High School on campus at AMC.

Their workshops feature hands-on maritime education activities, including the use of portable ship simulators and the life jacket challenge.

These engaging experiences introduce students to training pathways available to them in the maritime industry, from Certificate I vocational courses through to higher education including Bachelor's degrees and beyond, while promoting safety, skill development and environmental awareness.

"This work is extremely important as there are so many amazing career opportunities in maritime and the industry is desperate for dedicated and talented future students," Ms Rice said.

"Working with the Beacon Foundation has been a career highlight for me. I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to meet school students from across Tasmania."

"Many of the young students we have met had no knowledge of maritime and with the support of the Beacon Foundation, we have been able to share possible opportunities to these students which they may have never known about."

Australia's maritime industry is vital to national trade, transport, and offshore industries, creating consistent demand for skilled workers in areas like shipping, marine engineering and logistics.

Dr Ghosh said he enjoyed delivering workshops to regional schools in Tasmania to inspire young students to think about boat safety and experience the use of safety equipment, hence bringing real world relevance to their education.

AMC Principal Mal Wise AM commended the pair's efforts, acknowledging the unique position AMC holds as Australia's national maritime college and the distinctive and important contribution they have been able to make for Tasmania and from Tasmania.

"Jess and Sam exemplify what it means to serve our community and offer opportunities that can improve the futures of our young people and our industries," he said.

"Their work is not only inspiring future maritime professionals, but also ensuring equity in education and advancing one of Australia's leading industries."