Isabella Joyner

In 2013 Isabella Joyner had left school, was out of work and was uncertain what the future had in store for her. She made the decision to train at UKSA and has worked all over the world thanks to the skills she learnt with us… Isabella tells us more:

“I was out of work when I first got told about the courses on offer at UKSA, back in 2013. I signed up for the Change Direction course and got my Paddles Sports Level 1 and Powerboat Level 2 qualifications, and spent time gaining employability skills.

My favourite experience was learning to sail a keelboat, it was fun and exhilarating, as well as nerve-wracking! Soon after I finished my first course I got a job at Osborne House and a job at UKSA as an Evening Activity Supervisor

During discussions with USKA course advisers, I learnt that I could get a bursary to do another course, so I started training to be a Stewardess with Vanessa Hodgson in February 2014.

“I think UKSA taught me that anything is possible if I put my mind to it and that the skills I have learnt are transferable to any industry.”

I got a job with Girls for Sail

Getting the Blue Doublet bursary meant a lot, as it enabled me to feel more qualified and competent in a field that I thought wasn’t available to me before I finished school. I loved the course too and it helped me get work with a sailing company called Girls for Sail. I then got a job in the French Alps as a chalet host/private chef and I have also spent time working as an assistant instructor at a Mark Warner holiday resort in Kos.

Currently, I’m working in the Caribbean doing yacht charters around St Martin, Anguilla and St Barts for Tradewinds Yacht Charters as a First Mate/Chef.

What has UKSA taught you?

UKSA taught me that anything is possible if I put my mind to it and that the skills I have learnt are transferable to any industry. If I had to give any advice to someone thinking about training at UKSA, it would be to keep your mind open! The skills you learn will bring you an endless list of possibilities, not only in the maritime industry but so many more industries.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’d say the highlight of my career has been the ability to move around the world with my new skills and work in so many beautiful places!”

For more information please visit: Superyacht Hospitality Training