Record number of cadets graduate from Superyacht Cadetship

It’s been double the celebrations here at UKSA as the largest ever number of cadets have graduated from our flagship course – the Superyacht Cadetship.

34 graduates, aged 18-25, have completed the first phase of the five-phase programme. One third of the students have already secured roles, with the other graduates now actively seeking employment in the superyacht industry. The four-year programme is a career path to Officer of the Watch (Yacht <3000GT) and onward to Master (Yacht <3000GT) qualification and combines both academic studies interspersed with periods of paid work on superyachts. Cadets can also complete an HNC in Operational Yacht Science with Falmouth Marine School.

The number of cadets graduating is the highest in UKSA’s 30+ year history and meant two graduation ceremonies were held. The ceremonies were attended by the students’ close family and friends, UKSA staff and the funding partners that made the professional course a viable option for 50% of this year’s cohort. Funding for the cadets came from sources including: Seafarers UK, Trinity House, TK Foundation, Steven Thomas Bursary, Will Black Fund and Noel Lister Memorial Fund.

Our CEO Ben Willows says: “Once again we are celebrating the achievements of our Cadetship students as they go on to forge exciting and rewarding careers in the superyacht industry. The Cadetship continues to attract growing numbers of young people year-on-year and I’m delighted with the achievements of our graduates.”

The course is a credible alternative to university and for many, the opportunity to earn while they learn is an appealing choice. Cadet Harry Stubbs shares his experience: “I didn’t feel as though university was for me. Due to my background in sailing and love of the outdoors, I wanted to do something in that field of work. I knew instantly that the Cadetship was for me: the career prospects, the qualifications and the opportunity to work whilst travelling. I’m extremely grateful to everyone at UKSA and to Trinity House for kindly giving me a bursary; providing me with this amazing opportunity.”

The funding options that are available to UKSA students are crucial for many in securing their places on the course, as Willows explains: “For some students, the difference between starting their journey and not, is the funding options we have available at UKSA. We are continually working to grow the number of funded students.”

Chris Frisby, UKSA’s Director of Training and Operations, concludes: “Also critical to the success of our cadets is our Industry Guidance and Careers team, professional one-to-one mentoring and specialist recruitment service, who support our students throughout their careers. In 2021 we anticipate seeing numbers on the Superyacht Cadetship increase again, with 40 young people expected to graduate from the first phase of the course. This means that UKSA will provide even more young people with a structured and supported pathway into a rewarding, long-term career.”