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Transformation and progress require intention and care – the Shark Spotters Graduate Training programme (SS-GTP) after a year

Transformation and progress require intention and care – the Shark Spotters Graduate Training programme (SS-GTP) after a year

With the barriers to entry into the marine sector becoming steeper seemingly every three to five years, what sacrifices does one need to make to land one’s dream job? Has hard work and determination become just the bottom rung on the ladder to employment, while access, luck, and privilege now act as the jetpack that propels one to the top? 

For many marine science graduates of colour, specifically from under-resourced communities, spending three to four years earning a degree – a journey often marked by heavy theoretical and limited practical training – carries the hefty promise of employability. Yet, the reality post-graduation tells a different story: being employable often requires more than just a degree. Graduates frequently find themselves needing further training, the kind that universities and technikons don’t provide. These necessary courses are expensive, and organisations offering internships don’t always have the resources to invest in accredited training for interns who might not stay on for future employment with the organisation. 


The SS-GTP Interns collaborating researchers in reseashers from CPUT with sampling| Supplied

For many South African graduates, the dream of a better future comes at the cost of significant debt from their studies. Without the financial means to fund these additional training courses, let alone relocate to another city or province to breathe life into their dreams, many graduates from under-resourced communities find themselves at a daunting crossroads. Moreover, internships often reduce interns to little more than “cheap labour” to increase organisational capacity – a temporary resource to be replaced year after year. This approach misses the mark, overlooking the potential for real transformation and progress within the marine science field, which depends on the success of these emerging professionals. 

Recognising these harsh realities, Shark Spotters launched the Graduate Training Programme (SS-GTP) in 2023 to support five graduates from under-resourced communities on their journey to becoming competent and employable marine scientists. This programme provides both accredited and non-accredited training, along with practical, hands-on learning experiences. The training includes: 

  • Class V Commercial Diver’s Certificate 
  • 15nm Certificate of Competency for Boat Operations 
  • Short Range Certificate for Marine Radio Operations 
  • First Aid & Advanced Trauma Management 
  • STCW Safety at Sea Training 
  • Occupational Health & Safety Representative 
  • Science Communication Course 
  • Fishing Skills Workshop 
  • Baited Remote Underwater Video Analysis Training 
  • Introduction to Ecological Statistics 
  • ORI Fish Tagging 
  • Vessel and Marine Engine Maintenance 

Four of the five graduate interns (front left to right: Bonga Govuza, Megan Vokes, Jamie Ceasar , back right: Jessie Grosch), SS-GTP Manager Brandon Beukes (back center), and Research Technician Tsepo Mambo (back left) on the SS-GTP interns induction day at the Shark Spotters Info Centre, Muizenberg | (c) Jamila Janna for Shark Spotters 

Reflections on the inaugural year:  

In its inaugural year, the five graduates faced and overcame numerous challenges on their path to employability. Through the SS-GTP, they received mentorship from esteemed figures in the ocean space, including Craig Foster, of the academy award-winning film My Octopus Teacher. Foster guided the interns along the meandering river of storytelling, encouraging them to balance the art of creative and scientific writing. 

SS-GTP interns with Craig Foster during a storytelling and creative writing training at Millers Point | (c) Jamila Janna for Shark Spotters

The programme also provided the interns with invaluable opportunities to interact with trailblazing, award-winning marine scientists who shared their personal journeys and offered encouragement. The interns had the chance to rub shoulders with professionals in the field, thanks to collaborations with other organisations and attendance at symposiums like the Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium (SASRS) and the upcoming 7th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC). 

Brandon Beukes, SS-GTP Programme Manager, reflects on the year, saying, “The most exciting part of the programme isn’t what we see them do here, but witnessing how they apply these skills on their own journey. We chose graduates who have shown dedication and passion for marine sciences, and it’s inspiring to watch them grow”. 

Throughout the year, the graduates pushed their limits and achieved significant personal milestones. For example, Bonga Govuza, who had never swum before, became a strong swimmer, a confident snorkeller, and a certified Level V Commercial Diver, ready to conduct scientific work in False Bay, South Africa, or anywhere in the world. Another success story is Jesse Grosch, whose confidence and determination led him to skipper the City of Cape Town’s boat during fieldwork. These stories, along with the news that interns have gone on to become master’s candidates or secure positions with organisations like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), point directly to the intentions of the programme and its success in breaking down barriers. 


SS-GTP interns in preparation for their Class V Commercial Diver’s certification | Supplied 

Of course, as with any pioneering initiative, the SS-GTP is not without its areas for improvement and Shark Spotters have taken a reflective approach to the development of the programme. Feedback from the interns has been integral in shaping the structure and content of the SS-GTP for future cohorts, ensuring that it remains tailored to create genuine access and opportunity. 

While the ladder to employability may shift with changing times, organisations like Shark Spotters understand the importance of dismantling barriers to success in the marine conservation arena. Gatekeeping skills, resources, and training serves no one – not the graduates, not the field, and not the vision of South African excellence. Instead, Shark Spotters is committed to getting it right. Supported by a network of donors, organisations, and institutions, this path is not walked alone but together, in the spirit of shared progress and transformation. 

Acknowledgements: 

We would like to give a special thanks to De Beers Marine, TETA and Oceana for their support of the inaugural cohort. We invite other businesses and organisations committed to transforming the marine employment sector to connect with us and explore partnership opportunities to amplify our collective impact. Should you wish to donate towards the SS-GTP then do so here and use GTP as a reference.  

Bank
STANDARD BANK 

Account Name
SHARK SPOTTERS 

Branch
051001 (BLUE ROUTE) 

Account Number
073493449 

Swift (BIC) Code
SBZAZAJJ 

Written by: Jamila Janna