Cowes, Isle of Wight – UKSA has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families, while strengthening pathways into maritime training and careers.
The signing took place on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at Jersey Camp on the Isle of Wight. By signing the Covenant, UKSA joins thousands of organisations across the UK in pledging to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in accessing opportunities, services and employment.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national commitment recognising the contribution that serving personnel, veterans and their families make to society. It is built on two key principles: that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage compared with other citizens, and that special consideration may be appropriate for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved.
As a leading maritime training charity, UKSA is committed to transforming lives through education, training and careers at sea. Through its support of the Covenant, the organisation is strengthening its commitment to helping members of the Armed Forces community access training, develop new skills and successfully transition into civilian employment.
"As an ex-Army Officer myself, this commitment is incredibly personal. Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is not simply a pledge - it is a reflection of the values we hold as an organisation. "We recognise the immense value that service leavers, reservists and military families bring through their leadership, resilience, professionalism and adaptability. These qualities are highly sought after across the maritime sector and make the Armed Forces community a natural fit for many of the careers and opportunities available through UKSA." "This is a fantastic opportunity for ex-military personnel to retrain, develop new skills and transition into rewarding maritime careers. With continued growth across the sector, there is increasing demand for skilled professionals, and we are proud to play a role in supporting that journey." "Accessibility sits at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to breaking down barriers to training and employment, ensuring that people from all backgrounds - including those from the Armed Forces community - can access opportunities, build confidence and realise their potential."
With increasing demand across the maritime and wider marine industries, attracting and developing a highly skilled workforce remains a key priority. UKSA sees significant opportunities to support veterans and military families through structured training programmes that build on existing skills and experience, helping individuals progress into sustainable civilian careers.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, UKSA reaffirms its commitment to creating inclusive opportunities and supporting those who have served their country as they take their next steps into education, training and employment.
