Just finished college? Waiting for your A-level results? Or wondering what to do next? University isn’t the only route to a successful career.
For young people who want to learn through experience, build practical skills and start working towards a career from day one, UKSA offers a different kind of pathway with career-focused training opportunities available from September onwards.
Based on a unique four-acre waterfront campus in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UKSA provides career-focused training and education for those looking to build a future in the maritime and superyacht industries.
From stepping aboard your first superyacht to working towards a career as a deck officer, engineer or professional yacht crew member, UKSA combines internationally recognised qualifications with practical training, industry experience and dedicated careers and welfare support.
Your next step could take you further than you think.
For ambitious young people looking for an alternative to university, UKSA’s four-year Superyacht Cadetship combines professional training, internationally recognised qualifications and paid industry placements aboard some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts.
You’ll learn on campus, gain hands-on experience at sea and earn while you learn, building the skills, qualifications and experience needed for a long-term career in the superyacht industry.
With clear progression towards a career as a Deck Officer, the programme also offers the opportunity to progress to a Foundation Degree and full BSc.
And with 99% of UKSA’s 2024/25 Superyacht Cadetship graduates securing employment within the maritime industry within 12 months, it’s a pathway designed with your future career in mind.*
Choose your career pathway
Not everyone follows the same route into the maritime industry. UKSA offers a range of professional courses designed to help you develop the practical skills and recognised qualifications needed to start your career.
Superyacht Deckhand
Get started in the superyacht industry with practical training designed to prepare you for life and work onboard. Develop essential deck skills and gain the qualifications and experience employers are looking for.
Superyacht Steward/ess
Build the skills needed to deliver exceptional guest experiences aboard luxury yachts. Develop your knowledge of hospitality, service and life onboard while preparing for your first role in the superyacht industry.
Engineer Deckhand
Combine deck skills with an introduction to engineering and broaden your opportunities within the superyacht industry. A practical route for those looking to develop a versatile skill set for life onboard.
Professional Yachtmaster
Take your sailing skills to a professional level with training designed for those looking to work on the water. Gain the knowledge, practical experience and recognised qualifications needed to progress towards a career as a professional skipper.
Workboat Deckhand
Develop practical seamanship and essential deck skills for working aboard commercial vessels and workboats. Gain hands-on experience, build industry-ready confidence and prepare for a varied career across the wider maritime sector.
More than training
Starting a career can feel like a big step. That’s why at UKSA, support goes beyond your training.
Our dedicated careers and welfare teams are here to help you develop your confidence, prepare for employment and navigate the challenges of working in a demanding industry.
From CV and interview support to pastoral care and wellbeing support, you’ll have people around you who understand the journey you’re taking and are there to help you make the most of your time at UKSA.
Funding and finance support
We want to help make a career in the maritime industry accessible to more young people, whatever their circumstances.
Superyacht Cadetship bursary support
UKSA offers bursary support specifically for UK passport holders aged 18–25 applying for the Superyacht Cadetship who may face financial barriers to accessing training. Eligible applicants may receive up to 50% towards their Superyacht Cadetship fees, helping more young people take the first step towards a career in the superyacht industry.
Finance and payment options for all courses
We also offer finance and payment options across our career courses, for those who would benefit from spreading the cost of their training.
Speak to our course advisers to find out more about the support available and discuss the options best suited to you.
Why Train with UKSA
An all-inclusive experience
At UKSA, training is about more than what happens in the classroom. Our fully residential waterfront campus gives students everything they need to live, learn and train in one place.
Accommodation and meals are included on selected career programmes, so students can focus on their training and make the most of life at UKSA without the added hassle of finding somewhere to live or budgeting for food.
Our 4.5-acre campus includes modern training facilities, a bespoke training centre, superyacht galley, gym, sports hall, swimming pool, social spaces and on-site laundry facilities. Students also have access to our fleet and extensive on-the-water training facilities, all within a unique waterfront setting in Cowes.
It’s a place to build practical skills, develop confidence, make lifelong connections and experience what it’s like to be part of the maritime industry.
Come and see where your future could take you
Choosing what to do after school or college is a big decision. Sometimes, the best way to know if a career is right for you is to experience it for yourself.
Visit UKSA’s waterfront campus in Cowes, meet our tutors, explore our facilities and find out what life is really like training for a career at sea.
Join us at an Open Day or speak to one of our course advisers about your options.
