Isle of Wight-based youth charity and maritime training provider, UKSA, has presented a new career taster course, called ‘Opportunities Afloat’. The course is ideal for young people aged between 16-25, who might wish to consider a life at sea, but are undecided about the various options or whether it will suit them.
New 'Opportunities Afloat' course introduced by UKSA
Opportunities Afloat is a five day residential where young people can stay on-site for just £199, food, kit and tuition included.
It is the perfect introduction to UKSA, different training paths available and the booming maritime industry.
Ben Willows, UKSA’s Director of Operations, said the course had been carefully created due to a need among young people to find an introductory careers course that motivates them, gives them realistic advice and lets them try a whole range of disciplines.
“I don’t think there’s anything out there like this course,” he explains. “Parents and schools can now suggest this course for anyone who is a bit confused about what to do in life, how to get a job or some training, and what options there are out there. Our aim is to give students an insight into the maritime industry and the training routes that will deliver the right qualifications for their chosen career path.
“We can give them time out on a yacht to see if they are interested in a yachting course, we can give them a taster of the superyacht hospitality industry which is a fascinating and potentially lucrative industry many young people will not have dreamed of entering, and we can show them the excitement of the watersports industry which has the potential to take them around the world.
“We are sure the majority of young people will leave us with a real sense of purpose, a goal in life and a realistic idea about what it takes to launch a career at sea. If they decide the maritime industry is not for them, they will still have something positive to put on their CV and the benefit of having tried something different for a week.”
The five day course includes valuable on-the-water experience alongside classroom based seminars with industry experts, careers advice sessions, and even a night on a yacht – which should prove a great experience and an opportunity to find out if working at sea is the right path for you.
To find out contact UKSA careers course advisors on 01983 203038 or careers@uksa.org
