This coming August UKSA are celebrating 10 years of their Test the Water Programme. Launched in 2014, to date 10,437 Year 6 Island children have enjoyed a half-day water-based adventure from over 50 primary schools. Despite growing up no more than 20 minutes away from the sea, we know that a significant number of children on the Island have never been in the water and these sessions aim to support all Island children to gain water-confidence, understand water safety and support students to develop confidence and life skills such as communication and resilience. To find out more click here.

Looking to spend the summer at sea? UKSA‘s new and enhanced Superyacht Steward and Stewardess Training course has been designed with the industry, to improve the industry. With many of their graduates now in full-time employment, this is a course for those looking to secure a job aboard a superyacht. Employers are looking for green crew with more in depth knowledge and experience, to help retain long term crew that are serious about starting a career in the yachting industry. Working on board a superyacht is an exceptional thing to train for and be a part of, which is why UKSA works closely with the industry and continues to develop its facilities and programmes content to ensure that students receive comprehensive training, that prepares them for successful careers. Find out more HERE.

UKSA has been recognised by the UK Chamber of Shipping for Course Excellence for its Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training course. This recognition solidifies UKSA’s position as a leader in providing high-quality training and education within the maritime industry. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the UK Chamber of Shipping,” said Chris Frisby, Director of Training and Operations at UKSA. “It underscores the dedication and hard work of our team in delivering unparalleled education and training to aspiring seafarers.” You can find out more about UKSA’s courses HERE.

The UKSA team had an amazing time at the Palma International Boat Show which took place from the 25th to 28th April, a time when the international nautical sector gather in Palma’s Moll Vell to present the latest industry innovations. The team caught up with some of the UKSA graduates, who are now out in the industry, for career and progression planning sessions. With many years of collective experience across all maritime sectors, the UKSA team live and breathe the industry – giving you the inside edge when training at UKSA. They guide and support applicants both during your time training with us and throughout your career in the maritime industry. You can find out more about UKSA’s careers courses HERE.

Following the launch of the Isle of Wight’s first oyster regeneration project in October last year, UKSA has now made it part of the sustainability modules on its education courses, as students check on the oysters, their baskets and measure their growth. This initiative would not have been possible without the generous funding support provided by Cowes Harbour Commission.

Ben Willows, CEO of UKSA said: “The launch of the oyster regeneration project at UKSA was landmark, and it was important to us to be able to incorporate the project within UKSA as much as possible. A great start in making a difference in the marine environment we call home, the project is a step forward for sustainability on the Island and the students having such a local reference while learning about sustainability is fantastic.”

UKSA is launching a screen time reduction trial in a bid to ease anxiety amongst its young students, as a third of the increasingly screen dependent Generation Z worry they’re spending too much time on social media. According to a GWI 2023 Report on Gen Z, 20 per cent of the generation say social media causes them anxiety, UKSA are therefore aiming for a 20 per cent reduction in screen time as part of a trial with 13 of its Further Education students and 3 of its staff. “We want to work with the students to help them create new, more healthy habits.” Kim Fry, Safeguarding and Welfare Manager at UKSA. Read more HERE.

A recent report by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) highlights the lack of competent mariners with STEM skills, specifically engineering, and UKSA has responded by launching a new engineering pathway for young people. The Engineering Crew training course is for experienced or new crew who wish to work on small vessels or enter the super yacht industry through the engineering route. Chris Frisby, Director of Training and Operations at UKSA said: “At UKSA, we are developing skills for future role and creating the next generation of crew whilst supporting students to ensure they have the best opportunities for career progression.” Find out more HERE.

UKSA’s ‘Skills for Life’ measurement saw a 70% improvement with school children during residential visits in 2023.
UKSA has six ‘Skills for Life’: communication, decision making, teamwork, self-belief, determination and resilience, all deemed essential in a child’s overall personal development. Its activities for residential school group visits are mapped to its ‘Skills for Life’ framework. The skills are measured at the end of students’ stay with UKSA’s most recent results demonstrating that 75% improved their self-belief, 75% saw an improvement in their participation, 73% were more determined than when they started, 67% are more resilient, 63%have improved their decision making and 62% felt their communication had improved. Find out more HERE.

Changing Tack: UKSA work with industry leaders to improve wellbeing in the maritime sector. Passionate about creating a thriving industry where the welfare and safety of superyacht crew is supported and prioritised, the Changing Tack group formed in May and have since been collating research and creating recommendations to promote positive change. Following a successful round table this month earlier this morning, the group presented at the Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam, engaging the industry with a plan of action including central reporting and data sharing, a central way to access welfare support and mental health and leadership training.

On Wednesday the 18th October, UKSA officially launched the Isle of Wight’s first oyster regeneration project in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation and supported by Cowes Harbour Commission, as its first oysters were placed in baskets beneath UKSA’s pontoons to breed.
The project will facilitate the release of millions of larvae into the Solent. As ecosystem engineers, UKSA’s oysters will provide a range of benefits to the environment and people such as improving water quality, with a single oyster able to filter up to 200 litres of water every day, while also providing refuge for other marine life. Read more HERE.