The Sea.Change Foundation Programme

Oceans of opportunity for every young person

The Sea.Change Foundation is an inspirational 5-day residential programme, running through the school holidays, for teenagers across the UK to learn about training and careers in the maritime sector.

About the 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.

Who’s it for?

Would you like to learn more about training and working in the maritime industry or in watersports? Superyacht deck officers and crew, naval and merchant seaman, watersports instructors and yacht skippers are all regular jobs for our graduates. 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)
• You live in an area of high deprivation (Check your postcode here)

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential

The Sea.Change Foundation Programme meets the criteria for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential award. A ‘Residential’ for gold means a programme that spends 5 days and 4 nights away from home on an activity with people that you have never met before. To find out more about the DofE Gold Residential, please click here.

Why UKSA?

From our unique waterfront campus in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, we have a wide range of facilities and fleet to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience. This course is all-inclusive, meaning everything is on site and all of your food and accommodation is included, so you can focus on your training.

Don’t just take our word for it

The testimonials below from previous students, give you an insight into the benefits of the Sea.Change Foundation Programme and the outcomes you can expect.

Charlotte – Sea.Change Foundation Pilot Programme Attendee “Before the course I initially thought I would have to go to university to start a career within the maritime industry. I have now learnt I can come to UKSA straight after my GCSE’s and do a wide range of courses. Since being on the course, I have learnt how to get into different jobs such as becoming a watersports instructor and travelling the world. I’ve also learnt more about the superyacht industry.”

Lily – Sea.Change Foundation Pilot Programme Attendee “Coming to UKSA when I didn’t know anyone on the course was good practice as you’re always going to have situations like that in this industry. Making connections with people and to collaborate with them is a great skill to build upon. I didn’t consider a career in maritime before this course and this has really opened my eyes to the career opportunities available.”