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Education and training

MCA Officer Trainee of the Year awarded to Fleetwood cadet

12 February 2024

A Blackpool and The Fylde College student at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, Katie Jayne McGahan Hargreaves, has won the prestigious Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Trainee Officer of the Year 2023 award, which Nautilus International helped to judge.

Of her academic and professional progress the judging panel commented that Ms McGahan Hargreaves not only showed exceptional leadership skills throughout her course, but also highlighted the importance of teamwork in her role, frequently supporting fellow students whilst effectively managing her own extensive workload.

The judges also noted she has been an excellent role model for younger people considering careers at sea and a great ambassador for the maritime industry in general, having been a Careers at Sea Ambassador and also represented Fleetwood at Diversity in Maritime and Remembrance Sunday events, and at the King's Coronation. She also promotes careers at sea on her Instagram account where she gives insights into her own experience of life as a trainee officer.

Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus Captain Neil Atkinson said: 'All the staff at Fleetwood Nautical Campus are absolutely delighted that Katie has been selected as the MCA Trainee Officer of the Year. Katie is a true role model for other trainee officers and will be cited as an individual to whom future trainee officers can aspire.

'As well as being focused on her own development, she has also been an outstanding ambassador for the College and the maritime industry in general. I wish her well in what I am sure will be a very rewarding career.'

The award meant Fleetwood Nautical Campus secured their tenth successful candidate in the MCA award in 17 years. The award was announced at the UK Chamber of Shipping's annual dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane on Monday 5 February 2024.

The MCA commented on the crucial role the college has played in creating the right environment for its cadets to flourish, stating it is 'a great reflection on the cadet programme and the depth of support provided for each cadet.'


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