On watch with Will Satterly

• Name: Will Satterly
• Position: UKSA Careers Manager
• Qualifications: BSc(Hons) Marine Technology, Certificate in Education and Training, RYA Senior Instructor Windsurfing and Dinghy Sailing, MCA Yacht Rating and RYA Yachtmaster. PADI Advanced Openwater Diver
• Years at UKSA: 11 with breaks for adventures!

Describe your role in ten words

Increasing and ensuring relevant and appropriate sector outcomes for all career students at UKSA

Who inspires you?

Anybody who battles life’s challenges with a smile on their face and a positive attitude

What areas of the maritime industry have you worked in?

I started off in the sector as a watersports instructor teaching all over the world before moving into the superyacht industry working on large motor and sail yachts. Once time came to settle down, I built upon my previous training experience and qualified as a teacher and moved back the island.

What is your most memorable moment of your time in industry?

The owner of one of the yachts I worked on was passionate about marine conservation, we did many trips to the Chagos Islands which are a small group of tropical Islands in the Indian Ocean.  It is illegal to fish there and for 50 years the islands have been left to nature which means there are no humans and a lot of wildlife in the seas and skies to learn from. Our numerous trips lasted as long as the food and other supplies onboard did! Whilst here the crew helped to lay radio beacons to track reef sharks as part of a conservation programme.

What is your history with UKSA?

I first came to UKSA in 2006 with the Princes’ Trust for just a week, to see what this ‘watersports and sailing stuff’ was all about. I ended up working for the summer season and then going straight out to Australia to teach Windsurfing over the winter. I became Chief Instructor at UKSA in 2008 and continued working in the watersports industry for years. I then decided that the superyacht industry looked interesting and thought this was a way I might be able to save some money.

After working on superyachts for 4 years, travelling the world, I decided I wanted more time to dedicate to friends, family and hobbies so in 2015, I moved back the Island and trained as a teacher.

I returned to UKSA as an Further Education tutor for a few years and then took over the running of the Education Department. I have recently taken on the Careers Manager role, helping to create pathways for young people, from the age of 16, to train for long term careers on the water and prepare them to go out into the world, ready to embrace all the amazing experiences you can find.

What is the best thing about working at UKSA?

I think everybody says the same thing on this one because it is simple – breakfast! On a more serious note, really it is the people, just good people trying to help others achieve their goals.

What advice would you give someone embarking upon Career training at UKSA?

Ask questions, share concerns, work hard and don’t be late

What is your favourite thing to do when you get some time off?

Check the weather, make a plan, go and do something active, if you can’t then turn the amp up to 11 or read a book after walking the dogs.

See also..

• More from the ‘On Watch’ series