Developing people and key skills is a vital element in the Maritime and Marine industry which recently reported on a critical skills gap of 30% within their businesses. The growing superyacht sector also faces a shortfall of 55,000 crew in the next five years.

UKSA, with its individual cadet guidance and training alongside global relationships with captains and leading employers in yachting, is uniquely placed to support young people – that is why 84% of our beneficiaries recommend us to others.

We have special assisted funding programmes providing bursaries and loans to help young people without the financial means to train for maritime employment. With career development loans from the Government stopping in January 2019 it makes this funding even more vital. Donors include Seafarers UK, Trinity House, Royal Merchant Navy Education Fund, the Royal Yacht Squadron and the TK Foundation.

In 2018, 28% of our 409 students received financial support. Our aim over the next three years is to train 1,200 young people, increasing funding support to around 50% for those that need it the most.

We are looking for sponsorship from interested companies working in the maritime industry.

Many of our students are supported by bursaries set up by families to remember a loved one. These include:

• Stephen Thomas bursary
• Milo Hanlon bursary
• Noel Lister Memorial fund
• Will Black bursary