Life on the ocean waves is firmly on the agenda for a number of pupils at Willaston School.
The youngsters have been inspired following a hugely successful art competition staged by Bibby Ship Management.
The firm launched the Art of Shipping competition in April with the aim of engaging and supporting the community – and duly provided the school with supplies to take part.
Staff visited the school to talk to the children about the shipping industry and launch the initiative.
At the time, headteacher Rose Burton told Business News: ‘Joining forces with companies such as Bibby Ship Management is a fantastic introduction for our children into the opportunities that are available to them in the world of work.
‘Entering the art competition where they have to depict the world of Bibby Ship Management in a piece of art, they need to know about the company and what role they play.’
The competition was recently completed when a total of 12 pictures were placed on display at the home of the Isle of Man Art Society, Thie Ellyn in Douglas, where an exhibition was staged by the firm to welcome and thank parents and children – and name the winners.
Most of the pictures, along with a specially-commissioned piece by Manx artist Anna Clucas, are now on display at Bibby’s offices at Compass House, Isle of Man Business Park. One has even been given to a client in Liverpool, who was impressed with the competition and the standard of the children’s efforts.
Isle of Man-based Mark Robertshaw, group commercial director at Bibby Ship Management, said: ‘We really wanted to spark the imagination of the children and perhaps make them think about shipping and the sea as a future job.
‘After all, it’s not just about ships – wind farms and tidal energy development come into this as well. The island will have to have marine engineers, people with marine skills, to support the industry.
‘We believe that it is important for young people to understand from an early age the opportunities open to them.’
During the competition the maritime theme was enhanced by the school, who invited Lee Clark from the Sea Cadets to let the children know all about the organisation and the opportunities available to them in the island.