Trinity House gained international recognition for its work this month as they were presented with an award by the International Superyacht Society for their contribution to superyachting through their financial sponsorship of cadets on the Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme. The training programme, run in conjunction with Cowes-based UKSA, enables students to have 90% of their tuition fees covered as they work towards a long-term career in the maritime industry.
This funding has opened up a future in the maritime industry to young people who may otherwise have been forced to look elsewhere due to lack of financial support. The cadets who enter into a career in superyachting following the programme have benefitted from the most up-to-date training and mentoring possible, bringing with them a strong foundation of knowledge and an in-depth and realistic understanding of the industry that they are entering in to which has proved to be of enormous benefit to crews across the globe.
The award was presented at a ceremony at the International Superyacht Society headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was accepted by UKSA Trustee Mike Koppstein and Viking Recruitment, who have been instrumental in managing the successful careers of many cadets.
Jon Ely, Chief Executive at UKSA, commented: “We have been lucky enough to have trained 10 Trinity House cadets over the past three years, and are proud to be able to offer such exciting opportunities to our trainees, as well as working closely with them to help them achieve their career goals. The Trinity House funding is essential to the success of these young people, with the cadets in all cases proving their determination to pursue a career in superyachting and displaying an absolute commitment to their personal development and achieving the highest grade in their studies. This award is a great reflection on the efforts of everyone involved with the programme.”
The Trinity House Yachting Cadetship is a three year programme which includes a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science and is designed for anyone with a passion for working on board superyachts. Developed with the MCA and their approved training guidelines, the Cadetship provides students training coupled with valuable paid work placements working on superyachts all over the world.
UKSA is a registered charity that is committed to changing the lives of everyone it works with through its maritime training and experiences. During 2008, UKSA trained over 6,400 people and was awarded the South East Prince’s Trust Innovative Partner Award.
The charity has enhanced the lives of many young people and undertakes extensive fundraising activities to provide personal development opportunities to all.
UKSA is also a globally recognised professional training establishment, training people in watersports and yachting to the highest level. Its graduates include world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari. The charity is also honoured to have Ellen MacArthur as an ambassador.
