Fancy teaching watersports and getting paid, or crewing a superyacht? UKSA training programmes offer that and plenty more for ocean lovers
If you like the idea of a period of travel, but don’t know how to fund it, or want a training pathway to guarantee a life on the ocean, check out UKSA’s training pathways. This charity and marine industry training provider delivers globally recognised qualifications that are a passport to some of the best jobs on the ocean.
Established over 35 years ago and located on a four-acre waterfront campus in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UKSA’s core mission is to encourage young people to broaden their horizons by having water-based adventures. It does much good work with schools and youth groups. Broadening career opportunities within marine industries is another vital part of its remit. It sees the careers and training arm as vital to helping more young people find rewarding and lucrative career paths.
“Someone who already loves the water can gain the teaching qualifications to turn their passion into a salary-earner”
One important thing to know is that there’s a shortage of trained people in many areas of this industry – especially areas such as maritime engineering. Another is that it’s a growth market for jobs, especially when it comes to luxury superyachts. UKSA reports vessels in build increasing year on year – for instance, the 2022 Global Order Book reported a 24.7% rise in projects in build/on order – that translates to 5,000+ employment opportunities.
Skills shortages make salaries pretty good. This year, entry level steward(ess) roles on the very smallest superyacht pay from Euro €2,200 a month, a deckhand can make from €2,800. More senior roles make way more (a captain earns typically from €9,000 a month). For those working on board, major living expenses are covered – so no accommodation or food. Another vibrant area is the watersports industry. This is where someone who already loves watersports can gain the requisite teaching qualifications to turn their passion into a salary-earner – brilliant for a gap year or two, or to fill those long university summer holidays. But you can take those qualifications a lot further – and many do.
School leaver pathways
Many students join UKSA at 16 to take the Maritime Foundation NCFE (Level 3 Introductory Certificate), a two-year course to prepare for industry roles. No prior experience is required, and it can lead on to roles such as watersports instructor, mate (flotilla or tugs), deck officer (merchant navy) or deckhand (superyachts/workboats). It has an excellent post training employment rate, making it a good option for students – including those without GCSE English and Maths – who want entry into the industry. It can also be added to with further training, including UKSA’s apprenticeship pathway. “For students who are looking to escape the classroom and gain valuable work experience, it’s a great choice,” says UKSA Education Manager Clare Powell.
Those aged 16+ with English and Maths GCSE, can embark on the Adventurous Outdoor Activities Programme (NCFE Level 3 Diploma), a two-year course to develop skills for the sports and outdoors industries, or move on to the UKSA Superyacht Cadetship. “The career options are endless,” says Clare Powell. “There’s a lot of fun to be had as students gain their RYA Powerboat Level 2 Licence, dinghy instructing, and safety and rescue training, as well as first aid.”
For 18+ students, UKSA training options also include Watersports Instructor Training – with five-week and 13-week courses available. These can lead on to job opportunities at activity holiday companies such as Nielsen. While most 18-year-olds who embark on training with UKSA want to build a career, a fair number do so to allow for an extended period getting paid to teach their favourite sport. Some opt instead for an entry-level superyacht course so they can head out to sea.
Returning later to build further qualifications is the tried-and-trusted route for many alumni. UKSA welcomes back watersports instructors who want to gain RYA Yachtmaster Offshore, while crew/hospitality alumni come back to upgrade to the Yachtmaster qualification. Cadetship students often embark on a longer journey – potentially working towards top roles as Officer of the Watch/Master in the shipping or yacht industry. This can take several years, with students returning to UKSA each year to earn their stripes.
Other training paths are buoyant – especially for students who have an engineering focus. Maritime engineers are in such short demand right now that rates of pay for the top jobs are high – close to a captain’s pay in some settings. “UKSA has just launched an Engineering Crew Training course, allowing us to support more people into these roles onboard and help fill the skills shortage,” says Industry & Cadetship Coordinator Lauren Saltonstall.
“Maritime engineers are in such short demand that rates of pay for the top jobs can be close to a captain’s pay”
UKSA training serves a large and diverse community, with some 1,500 MCA (Marine and Coastguard Agency) students passing through this year, plus over 500 careers students and 130 Further Education and apprenticeship students. As a charity, it aims to remove financial and social barriers by providing funding where needed – for instance, 80% of Superyacht Cadetship course entrants received generous funding last September. Repayable and non-repayable funding is available, thanks to the charity’s sponsors and supporters. People also join from overseas – last year, its campus delivered training to students from 49 countries.
Is it for me?
Many school leavers choose a UKSA training pathway to travel while earning and seek alternatives to classroom-based learning. Nearly all have a love of the outdoor life and/or a passion for getting out on the water. Standards are rising across the sailing industry – particularly standards for superyacht crew – which is why qualifications count. “Awareness of Safety, crew welfare, and entry deck qualifications, such as the RYA Yachtmaster, are all areas that have improved and become important prerequisites for crew seeking to work in the sector,” says UKSA Head of Careers Will Satterly.
People who have followed social media and TV shows about superyacht crew, such as Below Deck, may have got the idea it’s all sunshine and napkin folding, but actually the jobs on board require hard work and commitment. Life experience is highly valued and, as there are often long periods away from home, a positive attitude is essential. Conditions can be cramped for crew, so the ability to get along with others is essential.
“People who work successfully on yachts have a high level of tolerance, patience, ambition, and desire to excel – anything below this doesn’t cut it”
UKSA believes the training routes it offers are an excellent option for the many young people seeking clear job prospects and a viable career ladder. The team here offer extensive guidance for trainees, including careers mentors and advisors. CV support and guaranteed agency interviews. There’s a strong network in this industry – as you’d expect – and UKSA’s careers support is ongoing. “The industry ideally wants crew who are committed to developing a career,” says MCA and Superyacht Cadetship Manager James Potipher.
So could the UKSA route be for you? “The people who work successfully on yachts tend to have a high level of tolerance, patience, ambition, and desire to excel. Multi-millionaires want the absolute best, and anything below this doesn’t cut it,” says Industry & Cadetship Coordinator Lauren Saltonstall. “Although some people enter the industry as a gap year or to just try it out, we mostly see individuals who see this as a long-term career – and even after leaving vessels, they want to remain within maritime.” So, what may start out as a fun job opportunity often leads on to much bigger things. There’s a rich variety of career options on and around the ocean, so if you already love all things maritime, don’t be surprised if you get hooked.
UKSA uksa.org
Further reading: Alternative student pathways at 18+
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