Careers and Industry Guidance team

Meet our industry guidance team

Guidance and mentoring by a team who have years of experience and a large network of industry contacts.

Will Satterly

Careers Manager

Before joining UKSA Will taught watersports all over the world and worked onboard large motor and sailing yachts in the superyacht industry. As well as being a qualified watersports and diving instructor, Will has a BSc (Hons) in Marine Technology and is a qualified teacher. As UKSA’s Careers Manager Will helps to create pathways for young people to train for rewarding, long-term careers in the marine industry.

“I first came to UKSA in 2006 as a young person to train and this was the beginning of a successful career path for me, including working here as Chief Instructor and then as part of the Further Education team. This insight helps me see the world through the eyes of young people, as I’ve been there myself!”

Industry Guidance Officer Colette Wood

Colette Wood

Senior Industry Guidance Advisor

Having trained with UKSA in 2012, Colette joined the team after five years in the superyacht industry. She worked on both motor and sailing yachts as a Sole Stewardess and learned as much as she could, both interior and on-deck. Most of her career was spent on large sailing yachts.

“I left the superyacht industry to spend more time at home. I now enjoy a career where I help others find work within the yachting and watersports industries.”

Richard Baggett

Yachting Manager

Learn with one of the World’s top yachting instructors at UKSA! Richard is one of the longest-serving members of our team and his calm and reassuring presence, along with his innate skills and instructional style, are legendary with staff and students alike. With over 200,000 miles and 10 ocean crossing under his belt, you’re in safe hands with Richard!

“Success for me is helping students develop their life skills to become the best version of themselves and realise their full potential. UKSA is an inspirational place to work and our team love seeing students succeed.”

James Pottipher

Superyacht Cadetship Manager

James’ love of being on the water began with watersports and teaching others to become watersports instructors. Six years later, he made the move to the yachting industry and over time amassed an impressive array of qualifications across sailing and motorboat disciplines. Thanks to his experience and unique industry insight, James heads up UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship Programme.

“I hope to inspire the next generation of superyacht crew with my expertise and knowledge of this exciting industry. UKSA is the best place to get the right skills and qualifications to start a fulfilling and long-term career.”

Ben-Willows-thumb

#SeaChangeStories

I continue to be inspired by our students, some of whom have come from challenging backgrounds, and we have seen them turn their lives around and leave UKSA with new work and life skills that will set them up for a long-term career in the maritime industry.

It is a good reminder for us all that with the right encouragement and training, anyone can begin a new chapter and look ahead to a rewarding, long-term career.

Ben Willows – UKSA Chief Executive

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