Sea.Change Fund

Maritime Futures programme

The Maritime Futures Programme is a five-day residential course for 14–17-year-olds that introduces participants to the diverse career opportunities within the maritime sector while developing essential employability skills through water-based activities and hands-on learning. For those who need financial support, UKSA’s Sea.Change fund provides fully funded places for those who would otherwise be unable to afford it, ensuring cost is never a barrier.

Launched in 2021 in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, the Maritime Futures programme is a five-day residential course for 14–17-year-olds, combining water-based activities with tutorial sessions that challenge students to step out of their comfort zones to develop resilience, self-confidence, and key employability skills. The five-day programme offers the chance to experience a range of exciting water-based activities include dinghy sailing, sea survival,  yachting, keel boating and stand-up paddle-boarding alongside tutorial sessions covering maritime career opportunities. These include workshops in engineering, navigation & radar, superyacht interior, deckhand, powerboating and use of our state-of-the-art Transas sailing simulation suite.

 Maritime Futures was an unforgettable journey for me, but what stood out the most was the opportunity to connect with individuals from all corners of the globe, The diverse perspectives and personal stories shared made for a truly enriching experience. Had it not been for UKSA and the Sea.Change Fund, many of us in the group would never know about the opportunities and futures that lie ahead in the maritime industry. We have all made new friends and coming to UKSA has been the highlight of our summer” Muhammad, Sea.Change fund beneficiary

 

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 Maritime Futures programme, we then have further education and apprenticeship options available, which include the NCFE (Level 3 Diploma) for Adventurous Outdoor Activities and The Maritime Foundation NCFE (Level 3 Introductory Certificate). These equip young people with the foundation needed to then either access UKSA’s career training programmes or an external apprenticeship through one of our maritime partner companies such as William Shipping, Red Funnel, Cowes Harbour Commission, Port of Tyne and Solent Cruises who all offer an alternative pathway to our Superyacht Cadetship and Yachtmaster careers courses.

UKSA’s Maritime Futures 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.

“The Maritime Futures programme encompasses the challenge of being away from home and overcoming associated anxieties, fostering personal and social skill development crucial for enhancing social mobility through watersports. It had broadened our students’ horizons by exposing them to diverse employment opportunities and showcasing the richness and diversity of the UK. This trip has served as an amazing introduction to potential career pathways, offering valuable vocational insights” –Neil Mackintosh, Tile Cross Academy Teacher

Watersport instructor at UKSA taking children for paddleboating

Oceans of opportunity for those that need it most

To ensure our Maritime Future programme is accessible to everyone, UKSA established the Sea.Change fund ensuring that those who would otherwise miss out can access fully funded places. Funding is available for this course if your parent or guardian receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or other government assistance programmes. If you are an individual interested in booking a place on this course, please e-mail [email protected] or call (01983) 203038).

“I didn’t know there were so many exciting careers in the maritime industry. Using the sailing simulator and learning about sea survival was so interesting—it made me realise this is something I could actually do for a living. I feel like I finally have a goal for my future.” Tommy, Sea.Change Fund beneficiary

Adame

Sea.Change Fund beneficiary

“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 Maritime Futures 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 – 2023 Sea.Change Fund beneficiary

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