News Blog: UKSA.org

New £25k bursaries released

noreply@blogger.com (Richard Tatnall) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Seafarers UK has just announced it is making three bursaries available for the UKSA cadetship for ambitious youngsters between 18 and 25.

Successful bursary applicants will start the three-year cadetship in October this year. Over the course of the programme, cadets will progress through the Royal Yachting Association’s training scheme. By the end of the three years they will be qualified to work as an Officer of the Watch on the world’s very largest superyachts, up to 3,000 gross tonnage.

UKSA’s director of youth development Simon Davies said: “This is an incredible opportunity for anyone with a lot of enthusiasm and drive to get themselves a fantastic career. Many people won’t have considered becoming a professional sailor because they think the training will be financially out of reach but at UKSA we make sure there are no barriers to people getting into the industry.

“The bursaries from Seafarers UK cover the course fees for all three years and because the cadetship includes paid work experience, cadets can actually earn while they learn too.

“With the rise in university fees putting off a lot of people who don’t want to end up with mountains of debt, a bursary for a UKSA cadetship could be the answer; no fees, active hands-on training and a direct route into employment on completion.”

In addition to both physical and theoretical yachtsmen training, UKSA’s personal development team helps cadets secure their first role in the industry thanks to a worldwide network of employers.

The only pre-requisite needed to apply for a bursary is 120 UCAS points or equivalent in work experience.

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day Five

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:03:00 +0000

Day 5:
Final video sign off from Danny

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day Four

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Day 4, Part 2:

Dinnertime!

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day Four

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:09:00 +0000

Day 4, Part 1:
As you can see there is plenty of sailing experience on our Career courses!

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day Three

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:29:00 +0000

Day 3:
It's halfway through the week and sailing has been great for Crew Trainer Danny...

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day Two

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:09:00 +0000

Day 2:
Danny tells us why he decided to complete his Crew Training at UKSA.

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Day 1, Part 3:
It's 3.30am and Danny's on night watch...

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:13:00 +0000

Day 1, Part 2:
It's been a good first day for Danny and the rest of the crew...it's not all over yet though!

Crew Training - Video Diary, Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:04:00 +0000

Day 1:
Danny from our latest Crew Training course has put together a video blog of some of his training.
Here’s the first instalment!

Last Chance to Apply for Yachting Funding!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:08:00 +0000

The clock is ticking to submit your application for funding on the UKSA Cadetship – you only have until 30th April!

Trinity House will fund 4 individuals on our Cadetship through its Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS). If you are a successful candidate you will receive funding for 75% of your course fees and a maintenance grant to help you through the first part of your studies.

Beginning in October 2012, the UKSA Cadetship is a three year course designed with the MCA to train the future leaders of the superyacht sector. The course is ideal if you are aged 18-25 and are looking for an alternative to university or know you want to build a career in yachting.

Trinity House Cadet Sam began his training in October 2011. He was glad to find out that there are other options besides going to university:

“For a while I considered doing a marine biology degree but that would have taken another three years before starting a career. I already knew that I wanted to sail professionally and just wanted to get on and do it as soon as possible.”

Our sandwich course format means that you will spend time learning in paid work placements on board some of the world’s largest superyachts. You will also complete a foundation degree in (FdSc) Operational Yacht Science.

Unlike those leaving university with a hefty student debt, at the end of the Cadetship you should have earnt back your training fees and be free of debt!

Sam has now finished the first phase of his training and is heading into the industry for the next year, beginning with work as a deckhand on a 78m superyacht!

“It is a gruelling course but I love it. I just want to be out on the sea all the time, learning new skills and getting more and more experience.”

You can download an application form on our website.

For more information or advice on the Cadetship and the Trinity House funding, give our helpful course advisers a call us on +44(0)1983 203038 or email pybs@uksa.org.

Student Placements

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:58:00 +0000

Here are some of our latest placements:

Neil Devine - Commercial Yachtmaster
Mate for summer 2012 for a private Hallberg Rassy 43

Simon Gibson - Ocean Graduate
Deckhand on a 86m Motor Yacht

Alex Anderson - Commercial Yachtmaster
Junior Deckhand on a 50m Motor Yacht

Harley Brockhouse - Cadet (Oct 2010)
Deckhand on a 80m Motor Yacht

Harry Jones - Crew Training
Deckhand on a 60m Motor Yacht

Diarmuid Higgins - Cadet (Oct 2010)

Deckhand/Kite Surfing Instructor on a 138m Motor Yacht

Abigail Salsbury - Essential Marine Hospitality
Second Stewardess on a private 47m Motor Yacht

Ross Howard - Essential Marine Hospitality

Deckhand/Dive Instructor on a 124m Motor Yacht

Phil Cridge - Commercial Yachtmaster
Skipper with Sunvil Sailing

Leisure – Special Offers this Month

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:04:00 +0000

With the warm weather on its way, we have a few spaces left on some of our leisure courses this month:

RYA Competent Crew
An introduction for beginners who want to become active and useful crew members.

RYA Day Skipper
An introduction to navigation, boat handling and skippering skills, leading to the ability to skipper a small yacht on short daylight passages in fair weather.

Both courses run from 26 – 30 March.

Was £515 Now £420!

There are only 3 spaces left, so book today!

For more information or to book call our Personal and Professional Development team on 01983 203001 or email leisure@uksa.org.

Cadets Leaving Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:02:00 +0000

Last week saw us saying goodbye to our latest bunch of Cadets who after starting their 3-year Cadetship in October 2011, have finished their first phase of training and are now heading into the yachting industry to work on yachts around the world.

Guests at the ceremony included our Cadets and their families, UKSA lecturers, staff and partners. All Cadets were given certificates and there were special awards including Best Crew, Top Cadet and Outstanding Contribution.

The UKSA Cadetship has been designed with the MCA to train the future leaders of superyachting. The course is ideal if you are aged 18-25 and are looking for an alternative to university or know you want to build a career on superyachts. With its sandwich course format, you will spend time learning in paid work placements aboard some of the world’s largest superyachts. There is also the opportunity to complete a foundation degree in (FdSc) Operational Yacht Science.

At the leaving ceremony, Don Millar of Viking Recruitment gave a speech on behalf of Viking Recruitment and Trinity House. Trinity House funds 4 Cadets a year through its Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS).

For successful candidates, the funding will pay for 75% of their course fees paid and they will receive a maintenance grant to help them through the first part of their studies.

Trinity House applications need to be submitted before the end of April, with selections taking place in May and June.

For more information or advice about whether the Cadetship could be the route for you, give our helpful course advisers a call us on +44(0)1983 203038 or email pybs@uksa.org.

More funding from Trinity House for UKSA Cadetship

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:36:00 +0000

For another year running, Trinity House will fund 4 individuals on our Cadetship through its Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS).

Beginning in October 2012, the UKSA Cadetship is a three year course designed with the MCA to train the future leaders of superyachting. The course is ideal if you are aged 18-25 and are looking for an alternative to university or know you want to build a career on superyachts.

For successful candidates, the funding will pay for 75% of their course fees paid for and they will receive a maintenance grant to help them through the first part of their studies.

Our sandwich course format means that you will spend time learning in paid work placements aboard some of the world’s largest superyachts. You will also complete a foundation degree in (FdSc) Operational Yacht Science.

Unlike those leaving university with a hefty student debt, at the end of the Cadetship you should have earnt back your training fees and be free of debt!

Applications will need to be sent in before the end of April, with selections taking place in May and June.

For more information or advice about whether the Cadetship could be the route for you, give our helpful course advisers a call us on +44(0)1983 203038 or email pybs@uksa.org.

Yachting: Three Reasons to Start Training this April

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:16:00 +0000

We’ve all got things we’d like to achieve in 2012, and for those of you looking to change careers or start your first career, here is why now is a fantastic time to get going!

1. Train for less
This year UKSA have introduced seasonal pricing which gives you the option to train for less. This may mean that after you complete your training there’s a couple of months before the start of the next season, but it will also ensure you save a good few hundred quid!

2. Sail your way into summer
As the weather starts to get warmer, what could be better than an exciting outdoor adventure? Embark on your training this April and you’ll experience milder weather conditions, a lovely bit of sunshine (fingers crossed!) and some great wind and waves conditions.

3. 2012, The Year of Sailing
This year will be an exhilarating one for UK on the water activity, particularly for Cowes. Playing host to a variety of events such as Cowes Week and Round the Island Race, Cowes is a fantastic place to live and train for a career in the marine industry. And to mark the start of the Olympics, the Super Yacht Cup is coming to Cowes!

What better way to feel involved in the sailing activity this summer than to be out on the water yourself?!

For those completing the April Commercial Yachtmaster, your training will finish as the Super Yacht Cup is about to begin. Make the most of what could be a great networking opportunity and secure yourself an extra few nights accommodation with us for just £96 for 3 nights B&B or £112 half board (22-24th July). Beds are very limited so get in there quick!

Courses available:

Ocean Graduate - 2nd April 2012

Commercial Yachtmaster - 16th April 2012

Call us today on +44(0)1983 203038 for a chat or email info@uksa.org for advice on starting your yachting career!

Go Beyond with UKSA and The Prince's Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Run in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, our Go Beyond programme is another initiative aimed at getting young people back into work.

The five week residential programme is designed to help six selected young people gain new qualifications and support them into employment. Alongside gaining RYA Assistant Dinghy Instructor and First Aid qualifications, time was spent developing interview techniques.

Towards the end of their training, all six young people were interviewed by Neilson Active Holidays, with four selected to join the organisation this spring. We are working with those going to Neilson to help them prepare for their new jobs and the remaining two young people to find employment.

One graduate from a previous Go Beyond programme, Darren Nolan was recently nominated for the Flying Start award at The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards. With his watersports qualifications, Darren has worked with us here at UKSA and overseas in Greece. He hopes to become a Chief Instructor in the next few years.

Now that the young people have finished the programme, here is some of their feedback:

“UKSA has been a great place to re-focus me on my life and aided me in taking steps of where to go next and how to go about it.”

“I have really enjoyed the course and look forward to a career in watersports in the future.”

“After being stuck in a rut for so long, I can now get up early everyday, be active, be challenged and learn. This has given me focus and energy.”

“Without UKSA, I would be in the same situation of looking for unsatisfying jobs and feeling low with low self-esteem.”

Helping Young People Back into Work

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Change Direction is a programme we ran in conjunction with the Job Centre Plus aimed at helping long-term unemployed young people back into work.

To do this, the programme focused on removing barriers to employment by helping the six, selected young people train for new qualifications, gain work experience within the maritime industry alongside getting CV and interview advice. The programme included a 3 day non-residential programme, a 5 day residential programme and 4 weeks of work experience at UKSA, Paul Crabb, Cowes Marina, Cheetah Marina and Isle of Wight Sea Kayaks.

Now that they have finished the programme, here is some of the feedback from the young people:

“I was introduced to an industry which I did not think was available, and now I know that I can be part of it I’m not leaving.”

“UKSA has most definitely given my life a new unique direction; something which had been lacking for three months previous to beginning the course. I feel extremely encouraged by this course and certainly motivated to progress in this industry. I have met new people, learnt new skills and discovered a lot about myself.”

“I am very happy with the overall programme; the work experience with other companies was really fun and interesting.”

“If I had not attended UKSA I would have been sitting at home feeling sorry for myself whilst trying hard to get a job which would prove mission impossible.”

Our Change Direction programme has been a great success with the young people completing the training to gain kayaking qualifications, producing professional CVs and getting great feedback from the companies they were placed with, some of which are looking to employ the young people with them next year.

Student Placements

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Here are our latest placements from November and December:

Jack Brown - Crew Training
Bosun on a 78m Motor Yacht

Tom Greening - Commercial Yachtmaster
2nd Mate at UKSA

Edward Clarke - Ocean Graduate
Delivery crew from Italy to Trinidad, trial for longer term race crew position on a 78ft maxi race yacht

Sven Bollerod - Commercial Yachtmaster
2nd Mate at UKSA

Kristina Hogg - Crew Training
Deckhand on a 52m Motor Yacht

David Geddes - Essential Marine Hospitality
Deckhand/Steward over the winter on a 30m Motor Yacht

Fiona Baker - Essential Marine Hospitality
Stewardess on a 60m Motor Yacht

Mark Fallon - Commercial Yachtmaster
Mate on a 34m Motor Yacht

Simon James Smith - Ocean Graduate
Temporary Chief Mate on a 41m Motor Yacht

Accreditations Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:49:00 +0000

There’s been good news throughout the Academy as we have received a number of accreditations for our activities:

Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC)

We recently went through an inspection where our Health and Safety, Staffing and Quality assurance processes were scrutinised for adherence to LOTC National Governing Body and Legislative. Thank you to Euan from our Education Department for providing a great kayaking session on a cold December day for the inspector's benefit.

Fortunately we were successful for the second year in a row! With the LOTC license schools and groups from counties beyond Hampshire can visit UKSA knowing we will offer the best level of teaching.

Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE)

We have also been awarded Approved Activity Provider (AAP) status by the Duke of Edinburgh Award to deliver practice and qualifying expeditions in sailing and kayaking for the Bronze and Silver Award schemes. We also have the required facilities to deliver Gold Residential programmes.

The DofE programme is designed to give young people, aged 14 - 25, the chance to develop skills for work and life and is recognised by many employers and further educational establishments. This AAP status means that we have another avenue to use our expertise to work with young people and help them unlock their potential.

New Membership

We are now are an Associated Member of the International Association for Safety and Survival Training (IASST). The IASST aims to improve safety and survival training at sea and with this membership we benefit from the sharing of best practices between members.

All in all, everything is going very well here!

Our First Cadets Graduate!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

Its congratulations to UKSA Yachting Cadets Simone Vena and Lucas Brocker who have become the first graduates to complete a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science.

Simone is currently qualified to MCA Master 200 and is working towards his Officer of the Watch 3000gt. He has most recently worked on a classic sailing 60m superyacht sailing the Pacific. Lucas has also worked on several high profile large superyachts. They have now enrolled onto the final year of the Marine Studies BSc at Plymouth University.

The UKSA Cadetship is a 3 year courses designed with the MCA to train motivated individuals into a successful career on superyachts. If you are 18-25 and are looking for an alternative to uni or want a change of careers, then the Cadetship could be for you!

The sandwich course format means that you will spend time learning in paid work placements on board some of the world’s largest superyachts around the world and have the option to complete the Foundation Degree like Simone and Lucas.

Plus unlike those leaving uni with big debts, at the end of the Cadetship you should have earned back your training fees and be free of debt!

Call us on +44(0)1983 203038 for a chat and or email info@uksa.org for advice about whether the Cadetship could be the route for you.

Student Placements

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Here are some of our latest placements from October:

Thomas Froment - Cadet
Deckhand on a 85m Motor Yacht

Luke Holloway - Essential Marine Hospitality
Temporary Crew Member (Deck/ Galley duties) on a 65ft survey vessel

Emily Pilsworth - Essential Marine Hospitality
Cook/Stew on a 30m Sail Yacht

Andrew Barnes - Commercial Yachtmaster
Second Mate for transatlantic on a Farr 65

Leigh Moylan - Commercial Yachtmaster
Daywork on a 40m Motor Yacht for Monaco Boat Show and shipyard period

Mark Down - Ocean Graduate
First Mate on Sunsail F40 from Portsmouth to Lanzarote

Spencer Garrett - Commercial Yachtmaster
Deckhand on a 47m Motor Yacht

Watersports Kit for Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:04:00 +0000

Now that summer is over, we’ve had a thorough tidy up onsite and have the following watersports kit for sale:

Windsurfs
This includes a range of boards, masts, sails and booms. All in varying colours, sizes, conditions and prices.

Kayaks
We have 7 kayaks available ranging from £100 - £150.

Dinghies
In the dinghy stakes there are Lasers (£2,500), Picos (£1,200), Oppies (£400) and a Hunter 707 (£3,500) available to buy.

Engines
There is a selection of 4hp, 9.9hp, 25hp and T Bird engines for sale. Prices vary from £300 - £500.

Everything will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information, pictures or to arrange a visit to look at whatever has taken your fancy email dan.hallam@uksa.org or call 01983 294941.

Why not grab yourself a bargain and donate to charity at the same time?

The Wolf Run 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:48:00 +0000

The months of training paid off for our Wolf Pack as the actual run itself really lived up to its name; 10 obstacles over 10km with names like The Mud Sucker, The Swamp and The Wolf Web to name a few!

“Awesome, brilliant, and completely off the planet are words that come to mind when trying to describe the experience” said Steve Rouse, head of our Wolf Pack.

The pack finished in 1.20 hours and were congratulated by the run’s organisers who had heard from several of their marshals that our pack had helped other runners out all over the course. (We’ve even heard that they saved someone from drowning!)

The day ended with everyone soaked and covered in mud, sweat and straw that seemed to stick better than any superglue ever found. You will find plenty of photos on our Facebook page!

Our merry, band of wolves have been raising money for Help for Heroes and our work with disabled young people which provides the opportunity for these beneficiaries to participate in sailing and watersports activities here at UKSA. So far they have raised £3,057, if you would like to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/uksamuckysailors before 21 October.

As a final word, the Wolf Pack would like to thank all their supporters including Red Funnel, Waitrose in Cowes, Morrisons in Newport, Island Meadow Caravan Park in Warwickshire and everyone that made a donation and helped them to achieve so much.

Watersports Instructor Training

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:46:00 +0000

We have re-vamped our Watersports Instructor Training programmes, making them even better if you’re looking to begin a career in instructing.

Watersports Instructor Training - £5495 starting Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter

This 10 week course will give you everything you need for a career in the watersports industry, by training you as a multi-disciplined instructor in dinghy sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Throughout your training you will receive personal mentoring and Industry Guidance, helping you towards your career in watersports. You will find all the facilities you could need on our 3.5 acre Cowes site. For the duration of your course, you will be provided with all accommodation and food enabling you to concentrate on your studies.

Watersports Instructor Training Plus - £6995 starting Spring and Winter

Add our 8 week Instructor Development training to the Watersports Instructor Training programme and develop advanced coaching and instructional skills from our experienced senior instructors, enabling you to develop a mature and effective instructional style. You will also upgrade your skills by gaining extra instructor qualifications including multi-hull, keelboat and performance sailing endorsements.

Watersports Internship - £6995 starting November ONLY

Includes the whole Watersports Instructor Training PLUS package but guarantees you with your first season’s work with either UKSA or Neilson. You will complete your first season under the watchful guidance of senior instructors, benefiting from their knowledge and experience of the watersports and leisure industry.

To be able to train on our Internship, you will need to completed a two day selection which includes team building activities and an interview.

The Internship selections are coming up quickly - 6/7 October 2011 and 20/21 October 2011.

To book your place, please contact our course adviser Maddie on 01983 203014 or email maddie.dunn@uksa.org

If you have any questions on any of our watersports courses, Maddie will also be able to help you out.

Funding Available for Engineering Student

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:35:00 +0000

Aged 18 – 25?
Want to build a career in marine engineering?
Can’t afford the full course fees?

Then we have the answer!

We currently have a bursary of £2,000 from The Shipwrights Charitable Fund available for our Professional Yacht Engineer course in 2012.

This course will give you the knowledge and skills to enter the industry as a junior engineer either on a yacht or in a shore-based role. You will also complete the STCW 95 Basic Training needed for commercial work aboard large boats over 24m.

To apply for the bursary, you need to be 18 – 25 years old and have an interest in working in this sector of the yachting industry.

For more information on the bursary and its application process, either call our course advisers on 01983 203038 or email advice@uksa.org.