The Group's Foundation boosts youth skills through Marine Technical School

The Group's Foundation supports youth skills development through the Marine Technical School

In December 2021, the Marine Technical School was launched by ENL Foundation with the aim to equip young people from the Black River region with the practical skills needed for careers in the marine sector. This initiative forms part of ER Group’s commitment to inclusive development and to enable access to employment for individuals from vulnerable communities.

Igniting impact in Black River through skills development

The Marine Technical School was made possible through a strong collaboration between the Group's Foundation, Kolektif Rivier Nwar (KRN), and Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, with the financial support of HSBC International through its Future Skills High Impact Fund. The programme has since grown, with additional support from Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate. 

The Marine Technical School offers a comprehensive training curriculum structured around six key components:

• The Mechanical training, which combines theoretical and hands-on learning to prepare participants for technical roles.
• The Personal and professional development to equip students with essential interpersonal and workplace skills.
• Literacy sessions to reinforce independence through language and basic numeracy competencies.
• Skipper and sea rescue courses which provide qualifications aligned with the demands of the marine industry.
• Hospitality training conducted by the Beachcomber Training Academy, enabling access to tourism-related careers.
• Internship opportunities to offer practical experience within local businesses, with a number of participants securing employment upon completion.

The programme not only trains professionals for the marine and tourism sectors but also opens the door for young people from underserved communities to enter a growing economic field, build essential soft skills, and gain confidence in their potential. As Vashil Jasgray, Project Manager at Kolektif Rivier Nwar, explains: 

“The programme is designed to develop not only marine technicians, but also responsible individuals equipped to navigate future challenges with confidence.”

Training outcomes and progress

From 2022 to 2023, over 30 young people completed the programme. In October 2023, the first cohort graduated the training and received their certificates. This momentum continued with 77 additional graduates in May 2025, all successfully completing the different components of the training.

Towards long-term positive impact

The Marine Technical School aligns with the Inclusive Development pillar of ER Group’s Sustainability & Inclusive Development (S&ID) Framework. It contributes to three key areas: access to employment, capacity building and community engagement.

“At ER Group, inclusive development means creating real, lasting opportunities. These young people are gaining autonomy, access to meaningful jobs, and the confidence to shape their own future,” shares Sophie Desvaux de Marigny, Chief Sustainability Executive at ER Group. 

ER Group remains committed to fostering partnerships that enable individuals to unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Hear from those who lived the experience by watching this video: https://youtu.be/Qj38Z8Bgrok