Sarah McClelland

UKSA’s unique pathways are designed to support and inspire it’s students from their very first time on the water, all the way up until they are qualified to start their dream roles in the maritime sector. Sarah is the perfect example of how this model successfully aids in progressing UKSA students’ careers. Having first trained on our Further Education course in 2019, Sarah has recently returned to UKSA to begin working towards her Master (code vessels 200gt) OOW (Yachts <500gt) certification.

Before first joining us here in September of 2019, Sarah was studying for her GCSE exams. Knowing that she didn’t want to continue onto A-levels, Sarah took a recommendation from a friend to research UKSA.

“A friend of mine was completing the Cadetship course at UKSA so I did a bit of research about the watersports courses on offer, and that’s when I came across the BTEC programme. I decided to enrol on the course at UKSA as I knew A- levels weren’t something I would have enjoyed, and I loved watersports.”

Following two years of studying on the Further Education course, Sarah returned to UKSA for Professional Yachtmaster Offshore Training with ambitions to pursue a career in Sail Training. Sarah received funding support from the Noel Lister Memorial Fund to complete her training.

“My first season after passing my Yachtmaster exam I spent in Greece working on flotillas, day charters and I also did some watersports instructing. This is now my second season working and I am a Mate onboard STV Leader, delivering sail training to young people across the island of Ireland.”

In such a short space of time Sarah has gained a wealth of valuable experience in many different sectors of the industry.

“One of my career highlights would have to be delivering my first sail training voyage in my home waters. Although, sailing through the Sporades islands in Greece where Mamma Mia was filmed, surrounded by dolphins, is a close second!” Sarah has been back this month completing her GMDSS training, working towards her Master (code vessels 200gt) OOW (Yachts <500gt) certification.

“In five years from now I still see myself on board tall ships delivering sail training, they might just be a little bit bigger than I’m used to!” “If you are considering a Further Education course at UKSA, go for it! I started at UKSA as a very nervous 16-year-old who had just flew over from Belfast not knowing anyone, I’m now I’m 21, working towards my Master 200 and am still keep in contact with those that I was in education with! A-levels are not for everyone, if you enjoy watersports or want to peruse a career on this industry, then I highly recommend using this as an alternative.”