Ship Happens: Discover the possibilities of shipping
On this page you will find information about opportunities, professions and study paths in the maritime sector, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. Find out if shipping and the maritime sector is right for you!
Why choose shipping?
At sea, life is full of adventures, responsibilities and opportunities. Have you ever wondered what the shipping industry has to offer? You can see the world, gain new experiences and be part of a global logistics chain or travel industry. ⚓
Shipping is much more than just cargo and cruises – it’s a lifelong journey where you can grow professionally and experience things few get to see. This field offers career paths for those interested in technology, leadership and sustainability, as well as for those who love customer service and the atmosphere of travel. Most importantly – there is plenty of work to be done in this field!
The shipping industry has many advantages that many people are unaware of. Did you know that in many maritime professions up to half of the year there is a holiday? How about traveling the world with colleagues, a free gym and sauna at the end of workdays, and free food? The maritime industry can be all of this – and you can still live where your home is!
Who is shipping suitable for?
Those who like the marine environment, travel and are willing to learn new things are the best performers in the maritime industry. Are you practical, technically oriented or interested in customer service and tourism? In the maritime industry, you can find your place and be part of a team where working together is key!
This industry is also suitable for anyone who wants to be part of something bigger – literally global traffic that keeps the wheels of our society turning.
What to study?
The maritime industry offers diverse study paths from which you can choose your own. Whether you’re interested in electrical engineering, new technologies, customer service or travel, there are plenty of options. In Finland, you can study maritime professions at several educational institutions that offer high-quality education and the opportunity to develop into a professional in the field.
Degrees can be found extensively at the professional and higher education levels. Choose your own route and start navigating towards the sea!
What kind of work is done in shipping?
Working days at sea are never the same. For example, you can work with:
- As a captain who steers a ship through the seas of the world and is responsible for both the ship and its cargo as well as everyone on board.
- As a chief engineer or watch engineer who is responsible for the ship’s technical systems and ensures that everything works flawlessly. Among other things, they supervise the operation of machinery, maintain and repair equipment, and are responsible for energy production on board.
- As a deck watchman who assists the deck officer, participates in watchkeeping and cargo handling, as well as ship maintenance in the deck department.
- As a ship electrician who takes care of the operation of the ship’s electrical systems and carries out necessary repair and maintenance work.
- As a repairman responsible for the maintenance and repair of various equipment and systems on board. This work often requires diverse technical skills.
- As a deck officer who acts as the captain’s right-hand man and is responsible, for example, for navigating the ship and handling the cargo safely during his watch.
- As a cruise host or hostess who takes care of the comfort and safety of passengers. This includes customer service, organizing various activities and problem solving.
- Customer service, where passengers are provided with information, assistance and guidance during their journey.
- As a chef who is responsible for preparing food in the ship’s galley, as well as catering for the crew and passengers.
How do you get into the maritime sector?
Ready to step on board? Explore different study paths and choose your own direction. Below you will find links that will guide you to different training opportunities around Finland. Click here and embark on a journey towards the world of shipping!
Secondary education
– Aboa Mare, Turku
– Axxell, Turku
https://www.axxell.fi/fi/turku
– EKAMI, Kotka
https://ekami.fi/koulutus/merenkulkualan-perustutkinto/
– WinNova, Rauma
https://www.winnova.fi/koulutustarjonta/merenkulkuala/
– Ålands yrkesgymnasium, Ahvenanmaa
https://www.gymnasium.ax/alands-yrkesgymnasium/yrkesutbildningar-gymnasieexamen/sjofart
Bachelor’s degree programme
- SAMK, Rauma
- XAMK, Kotka
- Högskolan på Åland
- Turun ammattikorkeakoulu
- Aboa Mare, Turku
Maybe you aren’t looking for long studies right now – and do you want to quickly catch up with working life and earn money? Check out our new pilot project where you can get a job on board in less than a year!
- The application period starts on week 41. Follow EKAMI’s website: https://ekami.fi/hakijalle/
A few surprising facts about the shipping industry – did you know?
- TRADE IS MOVING: Did you know that more than 96% of goods from abroad travel to Finland via the sea? That’s almost everything! Without shipping, our society would not run.
- FRIEND OF THE ENVIRONMENT: You may be wondering if shipping is responsible. The answer is: Sea transport is a low-emission and quite energy-efficient mode of transport!
- AN EMPLOYER FOR MANY: More than 50,000 people work in the maritime sector in Finland.
- SAUNA HEAT: Finnish ships must have a sauna!
- FREE FOOD: When working onboard, you don’t have to cook or pay for it!
“I would recommend seafaring to young people who want to see the world and still get paid for it. And who would mind working in a beautiful environment? When training in the field, it is easy to get a job alongside school. At work, you get to see and experience things that you can’t get anywhere else – both education and work are really diverse!” – Niko
Ship Happens – jump in!
Join us and find your place in the world of shipping. In this industry, the sky is not the limit – not even the horizon!
What do working days at sea really look like? Follow the daily lives of four young people working in the maritime industry on Instagram and TikTok on the account @shiphappensfi.