/pt/newsroom/news/2025/mar/msc-uk-hosts-second-annual-msc-games
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With the maritime industry facing a growing skills gap as experienced professionals retire, attracting and developing new talent is more important than ever as highlighted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). At MSC UK we are dedicated to bridging this gap by engaging with the next generation, inspiring them with the dynamic career opportunities within shipping and logistics whilst also showcasing our apprenticeship programme.
Building on the success of our 2024 pilot event, the MSC Games returned for a second year on 11 March 2025, welcoming students from four Suffolk schools to our Ipswich Head Office. The event provided a hands-on, immersive experience, giving students real-world insight into the industry while reinforcing MSC UK’s commitment to developing future professionals.
A Day of Insight and Engagement
Hosted by Pawel Stasiak, Group People Development Manager, and Alistair Leonard, Head of Sales, the day offered a mix of interactive activities, industry insights, and friendly competition. Students took part in an office tour, exploring different departments and gaining a deeper understanding of MSC UK’s operations.
Managing Director Dan Everitt and Head of HR Donna Chidlow shared their career journeys, offering valuable perspectives on the breadth of opportunities within the industry. Their insights left students motivated and better informed about potential career paths, highlighting MSC as a key local employer invested in developing talent.
A key highlight of the day was the shipping-themed challenges, where students put their newly acquired knowledge to the test. From container stacking to vessel loading simulations, these interactive games not only made learning fun but also helped students develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. At the end of the day, one school was crowned the MSC Games champion, but all participants walked away with a greater appreciation for the industry and its career prospects.
Beth Snell, HR Apprentice, reflected on the event:
"As part of the project team, it has been incredibly rewarding to see our core values brought to life with the passion and care that went into making this event a success. Watching students engage, ask questions, and explore potential career paths with genuine enthusiasm was truly inspiring.”
Positive Impact and Industry Engagement
Beyond the excitement of the games, the event had a lasting impact on students, building their confidence and enthusiasm for careers in maritime and logistics. Teachers also praised the initiative for its engaging approach and real-world relevance:
“Thank you to the team for a great day at the MSC Games—such an impressive design and implementation. MSC has fabulous ambassadors, and your family approach is clear through your apprentices. The confidence and quality of their delivery in every session was superb.” – Ipswich School, Ipswich
“We really appreciated the care and support you all gave to our students, and it was amazing to see how their confidence grew throughout the day. The students were so motivated, and all agreed it was the best school trip they had ever been on! The preparation and attention to detail were incredible. The games are a credit to you all—MSC is an example of how employer engagement can really work!” – Ipswich Academy, Ipswich
“One of our teachers described it as the best work trip he had been on in 20 years of education—he was so impressed, he even joked about applying to MSC himself!” – Thomas Gainsborough, Sudbury
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
MSC UK values connecting with our local communities, driven by our genuine passion for the sea and our unwavering commitment to people. The success of the MSC Games 2025 reaffirms our dedication to engaging with future talent and strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals in the maritime industry. Alistair Leonard, Head of Sales, emphasised the event’s impact: “The MSC Games provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the dynamic world of shipping while fostering collaboration. It was inspiring to engage with future professionals - truly a day to remember!”
Donna Chidlow, Head of HR, echoed this sentiment, stating: “We’re proud to partner with local schools through the MSC Games, opening doors to exciting careers in shipping. Our apprenticeship program empowers young talent, helping them navigate their path to a bright future.”
If you or your school is interested in taking part in future MSC Games events, please contact us. Interested in a career with MSC UK? Find out more about our apprenticeship programme.
Building on the success of our 2024 pilot event, the MSC Games returned for a second year on 11 March 2025, welcoming students from four Suffolk schools to our Ipswich Head Office. The event provided a hands-on, immersive experience, giving students real-world insight into the industry while reinforcing MSC UK’s commitment to developing future professionals.
A Day of Insight and Engagement
Hosted by Pawel Stasiak, Group People Development Manager, and Alistair Leonard, Head of Sales, the day offered a mix of interactive activities, industry insights, and friendly competition. Students took part in an office tour, exploring different departments and gaining a deeper understanding of MSC UK’s operations.
Managing Director Dan Everitt and Head of HR Donna Chidlow shared their career journeys, offering valuable perspectives on the breadth of opportunities within the industry. Their insights left students motivated and better informed about potential career paths, highlighting MSC as a key local employer invested in developing talent.
A key highlight of the day was the shipping-themed challenges, where students put their newly acquired knowledge to the test. From container stacking to vessel loading simulations, these interactive games not only made learning fun but also helped students develop teamwork and problem-solving skills. At the end of the day, one school was crowned the MSC Games champion, but all participants walked away with a greater appreciation for the industry and its career prospects.
Beth Snell, HR Apprentice, reflected on the event:
"As part of the project team, it has been incredibly rewarding to see our core values brought to life with the passion and care that went into making this event a success. Watching students engage, ask questions, and explore potential career paths with genuine enthusiasm was truly inspiring.”
Positive Impact and Industry Engagement
Beyond the excitement of the games, the event had a lasting impact on students, building their confidence and enthusiasm for careers in maritime and logistics. Teachers also praised the initiative for its engaging approach and real-world relevance:
“Thank you to the team for a great day at the MSC Games—such an impressive design and implementation. MSC has fabulous ambassadors, and your family approach is clear through your apprentices. The confidence and quality of their delivery in every session was superb.” – Ipswich School, Ipswich
“We really appreciated the care and support you all gave to our students, and it was amazing to see how their confidence grew throughout the day. The students were so motivated, and all agreed it was the best school trip they had ever been on! The preparation and attention to detail were incredible. The games are a credit to you all—MSC is an example of how employer engagement can really work!” – Ipswich Academy, Ipswich
“One of our teachers described it as the best work trip he had been on in 20 years of education—he was so impressed, he even joked about applying to MSC himself!” – Thomas Gainsborough, Sudbury
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
MSC UK values connecting with our local communities, driven by our genuine passion for the sea and our unwavering commitment to people. The success of the MSC Games 2025 reaffirms our dedication to engaging with future talent and strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals in the maritime industry. Alistair Leonard, Head of Sales, emphasised the event’s impact: “The MSC Games provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the dynamic world of shipping while fostering collaboration. It was inspiring to engage with future professionals - truly a day to remember!”
Donna Chidlow, Head of HR, echoed this sentiment, stating: “We’re proud to partner with local schools through the MSC Games, opening doors to exciting careers in shipping. Our apprenticeship program empowers young talent, helping them navigate their path to a bright future.”
If you or your school is interested in taking part in future MSC Games events, please contact us. Interested in a career with MSC UK? Find out more about our apprenticeship programme.