UKSA, the national youth maritime training charity based in Cowes, is launching a brand new, fully funded foundation course for young people aged 16 who have just finished their GCSEs and are looking to start a career in the maritime industry.
The Maritime Foundation course will provide learners with skills and qualifications that demonstrate their competency to work as a seafarer. The 2-year course is suitable for those with little to no experience of the maritime sector as it will provide all essential skills, qualifications and knowledge for entry-level positions, thanks to the 60/40 split of practical and theory training.
Will Satterly, UKSA’s Education Manager, says:
“UKSA is determined to provide as many opportunities to young people across the Isle of Wight and further afield. This new course is designed to open as many doors as possible for those willing to work hard, listen and learn from experienced tutors who are passionate about helping them set long term goals and giving them the tools to achieve them.”
Education topics covered include maritime safety, vessel rope work, anchoring, mooring operations, vessel construction and stability and control operation of survival craft. Successful completion of the course will open up opportunities for work on-board superyachts, in the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy, on workboats and within the fisheries industry.
The course is funded as part of a full-time 16+ Further Education (FE) programme and is ideal for those looking for work in the maritime sector or would like to take a structured pathway towards UKSA’s flagship course, the Superyacht Cadetship. This is due to the fact it gives students the chance to achieve the UCAS points needed to progress onto the foundation degree attached to the Cadetship programme.
UKSA’s CEO Ben Willows adds:
“UKSA offers fantastic alternatives to traditional academic pathways, such as college and university. Whatever your ambitions are, we’ll give you the skills and experience you need to fulfil your potential. Not only will UKSA give you the very best training, we’ll also help you build your confidence and self-esteem in and out of the water. We have regular open days, so would encourage both students and parents to visit our fantastic waterfront base where the expert team can answer any questions you may have.”
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Will Satterly concludes:
“UKSA’s Maritime Foundation could be the first step into a career in a thriving industry, with long-term prospects, opening pathways into future training. The first step is always the hardest but UKSA is experienced in supporting young people and was created to inspire and raise aspirations. Come and join us!”
For further information contact UKSA on 01983 203038 or the Student Services team at the Isle of Wight College on 01983 526631.
UKSA’s next open days are being held on Saturday 20th July from 10:30 and Friday 23rd August from 13:30. See www.uksa.org/about-us/open-days/.
