Pilbara Ports Authority’s first female marine cadets are setting sail on board an iron ore vessel bound for Asia.

Karratha locals Katelyn Arnold and Jeri Ingleton will spend six months at sea on board the Rio Tinto-owned vessel, training for a career in the maritime industry as part of Pilbara Ports Authority’s Marine Cadetship Program.

Pilbara Ports Authority CEO Roger Johnston said PPA was the first in Australia to offer a marine cadetship program which gives school leavers experience on international trade routes.

“As the number of Australian-registered ships reduces, it’s increasingly difficult for young people to secure the time at sea required to earn marine qualifications,” Mr Johnston said.

“To address this, Pilbara Ports Authority developed the Marine Cadetship Program to develop talent locally to support the industry, as well as improve career opportunities for young people in the Pilbara.

“We are working with Rio Tinto to offer Katelyn and Jeri the unique opportunity to gain international sea experience and qualifications, with cadets the future leaders of our industry.”

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