The Sea.Change Foundation programme is a course offered to young people aged 14-17 from disadvantaged backgrounds, that teaches students how to be more confident and resilient, work together with peers and informs them of all the pathways into the maritime industry.
As a charity, we are passionate about providing these opportunities to the young people that need it most, those who might not otherwise be able to access this provision. We offer students a fully funded 5-day residential trip during the school holidays and while at UKSA, they develop vital life skills, increase their employability, broaden their horizons, develop confidence on the water and are introduced to the employment and career pathways available in the maritime sector.
About our Foundation Programme
From our unique waterfront campus in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, we have a variety of facilities and fleet to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience, get to meet new people, and learn valuable communication and team building skills.
The five-day Sea.Change Foundation programme offers the chance to experience a range of exciting water-based activities which weather depending, may include dinghy sailing, sea survival, power boating, keel boating and stand-up paddle-boarding.
We also include some shore-based sessions where you can learn more about career options in the maritime sector and understand the first steps needed to find employment.
“UKSA’s Sea.Change programme has given us the opportunity to learn in an environment that encourages us to overcome fear, and it just feels like home.”
Sagar – Sea.Change Foundation Programme participant
Bridging the gap between education and employment
UKSA offer a unique breadth of aspirational pathways – from inspiring and engaging a school child taking part in watersports for the first time to enable them to build confidence, broaden horizons and develop life skills, through to training young people looking to begin or progress in careers in the maritime industry.
For those who show an interest in maritime, once students have succeeded in the Sea.Change Foundation course, we have two education options available as part of our pathway options, which is the NCFE (Level 3 Diploma) for Adventurous Outdoor Activities and The Maritime Foundation NCFE (Level 3 Introductory Certificate), giving these young people the foundations needed to access our career training programmes. Our Further Education students achieved a 99% pass rate this year.
UKSA’s Sea.Change programme helps to bridge the gap between education, training and careers by offering a unique opportunity to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into maritime employment. By widening the accessibility of the maritime industry to those who have less opportunities to access quality training, we could support thousands of young people into long-term work.
Programme Accessibility
The Sea.Change foundation programme is all-inclusive, meaning everything is on site and all of your food and accommodation is included. This course could be for you, if:
You are aged between 14 and 17
You or your parent/guardian receive financial support from the government (free school meals, pupil premium, universal credit)
If you are an individual interested in booking a place on this course, please e-mail [email protected] or call (01983) 203038
If you are a school teacher or youth group leader looking to book a group of students, please e-mail [email protected]
Adame
Sea.Change Foundation Student
“School is not the place for me; they don’t teach us values to come into the real world.”
In August 2022, Adame was introduced to the water through UKSA’s Sea.Change programme. He had no idea about the opportunities in maritime but quickly realised it’s what he wanted to pursue. Adame then joined our NCFE Programme; a 2-year programme designed to gain the relevant skills required to start a career in the maritime industry. Since being inspired by his instructors, Adame completed additional qualifications to become and instructor himself, working for UKSA this summer. Adame aims to continue working towards the Cadetship programme at UKSA next year to become a superyacht captain.
Case study
Badr Ahmed – Sea.Change Foundation 2023 Participant
