Superyacht Cadetship a great alternative to university

If you’re one of the many 18-year-olds opening envelopes today to find disappointing A level results following the government changes to exam grading this year, remember there are some great alternative options to uni, including traineeships and apprenticeships.

UKSA provides structured pathways into maritime careers through its educational training programmes for the yachting, watersports and superyacht sectors – and there are a number of assisted funding options too. UKSA also provides training for maritime apprenticeships.

There are currently two places available for our Superyacht Cadetship starting in September and more availability for our course starting in April 2024. Available to those aged 18-25, the structured four-year programme which this year sees 45 students start in September, is designed to train the future officer of the superyacht industry and was created with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It equips graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge, alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the superyacht industry.

James Potipher, cadetship manager at UKSA said: “This course is a fantastic alternative to university and uniquely, students earn while they learn so they can pay off their course fees while they’re working and training in the industry. The course is also inclusive of food and accommodation during the training phases, so we’re really making it available to as many young people as possible.”

Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science during phase one and three of the Superyacht Cadetship, which is awarded by the University of Plymouth. The option gives additional careers and training pathways into different sectors in the maritime industry.

The course comprises five phases; phase one will see cadets developing skills and knowledge of seamanship and safety as well as industry qualifications. Phase two sees students employed on a superyacht as an entry-level deckhand and phase three progresses cadets from a junior deckhand to more senior positions onboard such as lead deckhand or bosun by building on their working experience. Phase four gives the cadets watch keeping experience in a paid employment role which will see them practically applying and honing the techniques and practices learned. The final stage is the Officer of the Watch 3000gt training with cadets studying senior modules towards a final examination.

See full course details here.

See other training options for professional Yachtmasters, superyacht deckhands and superyacht stewardess and steward training 

For a full list of available courses and start dates please contact the careers team us on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email [email protected]