To secure your place on a career course at UKSA you will need to pay a 10% deposit. The final balance is due 10 weeks before the start date of your course. You will need to speak to your course adviser who will take you through the booking process over the phone and can arrange payment by card or bank transfer.
Your course fees include all training, examinations, certification, logbooks, internet access, food and accommodation for the full duration of the course.
Once you’ve secured your place on a course you will receive full confirmation of your booking and receipt by email. You’ll also receive joining instructions, with a full kit list and online medical form that you will need to complete. This will also include some information on what you can do to prepare for your course.
We will provide you with training and support that goes above and beyond what’s necessary to pass exams and assessments. But you will have to show high levels of competence and performance.
Students should be 18 and over for our yachting career courses. If you are 17, you can still book a course however must be 18 on time of training. As long as students are physically capable of the demanding nature of our training, there is no upper age limit.
The number of students on our yachting courses can range from 5 to 20 depending on the training, and the time of year. Shorebased classes generally are in crews of ten and for sea based phases crews of five. People decide to train with us for a number of reasons; those leaving school or college and looking to start a career, considering a career change, or looking for a lifestyle change, those who want to try something new, and those who just want to operate their own yacht or equipment confidently.
Sign up to our Facebook page to meet other people on your course before you start training at UKSA.
After booking a course you will receive joining instructions for your training. These instructions will set out what kit is needed and what UKSA can provide. And don’t worry if you forget something, UKSA students get a great discount at a number of sailing stores in Cowes. Please remember to bring soft holdalls and not suitcases.
As a charity we offer a number of assisted funding schemes for British citizens ages 18-25 with a clear financial need. For full details about funding options please talk to your course adviser, who will be able to assess your eligibility and to discuss your next steps should you wish to apply.
Our career training courses are designed to give you all the knowledge, skills and qualifications you’ll need to be successful when searching for employment within the marine industry. Your chances of finding work will be very good by the time you complete your training but we cannot guarantee you a job when you finish your course. You will need to apply for jobs yourself and succeed in interviews, but be safe in the knowledge you’ll be in the best position you possibly can be.
UKSA has built up a large network of contacts and employers in the yachting and watersports industry. Our industry guidance team are here to support and mentor you throughout your training and will assist you with finding work in the marine industry. Even with the high level qualifications you will achieve, you’ll need the right attitude and the ability to market yourself to find work.
During your course you’ll have industry guidance days where you’ll receive personalised advice on how to compile a maritime CV and improve your interview skills. You’ll also have your own page on yachtcareers.com , a recruitment website exclusively for UKSA’s career students.
This depends on your course. Our career programmes are very intense so time off is limited. However, you will have a few days off here and there and some self-study days scheduled. We can provide you with a sample course programme if you’d like to see how our courses are structured – just let your course adviser know and they can email one to you.
If there are any questions you do still have our course advisors will be able to help +44 (0)1983 203038 or [email protected]
The UK is a multicultural country which greatly influences the culture. Regardless of where you come from in the world you will feel at home in the UK.
The United Kingdom (UK) has a rich history and varied landscape – encompassing four nations and many regions. The UK offers plenty of enticing choices, is a welcoming and friendly place to live, and it is a fun place to study.
The UK has a very diverse population – people from all over the world live here. There are many different international communities, and international students will feel welcome.
The UK is a tolerant society, and it is illegal to discriminate against people because of their race, religion, gender, sexuality or disability.
There are different regional accents in the UK. A person from Edinburgh will sound a little different to a person from Bristol. Students do not need to worry about this. English is a global language, and it is an important skill to be able to understand different English accents from around the UK, and the world!
It is easy to find good food in the UK and we have some of the world’s top restaurants.
Lots of cheap restaurants, and food markets, are available for students on a budget. It is possible to try food from all over the world, even in small towns. Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican food are all very popular.
Traditional British food includes fish and chips, full English breakfast, Sunday roast dinners, Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pasties, cream tea, pies, haggis, local cheese, and of course plenty of tea and cake.
Supermarkets are good places to find cheap options for lunch and snack, to reduce the cost of living.
Does it always rain the UK? Not usually! The UK has lots of different weather, sometimes it rains, sometimes it is sunny and beautiful.
The UK uses its own currency, called the pound (£). Cash machines (ATMs) are easy to find and are usually free to use.
You can pay by debit or credit card almost everywhere in the UK. Cash is often required for taxis.
The UK is small country with lots to see, and it is easy to use public transport to explore. Trains are the fastest way to travel, especially for long journeys. Book your tickets in advance for the cheapest prices.
Coaches are an alternative way to travel and often the cheapest way to explore the UK
If you are travelling from the airport by public transport, there will be coach services and sometimes a train service. In London there are express train service – these are the fastest option but they are often more expensive than slower travel options.
Great British Mag is a digital magazine that helps students interested in studying in the UK decide whether it is the best place for them and provides insights about life as a student in the UK. The team behind the magazine are former international students so they cover topics that they know are of interest and helpful to overseas students.