UKSA has had another impactful year, empowering thousands of children and young people to develop vital life skills and explore pathways to careers in the maritime industry. Through innovative programmes like the Leave No Child Behind Fund and the Sea.Change Foundation Programme providing transformative residential trips, UKSA is breaking barriers for disadvantaged young people, helping them achieve their full potential. In 2024, UKSA welcomed over 5,000 children and young people, including 653 beneficiaries supported through the Leave No Child Behind Fund. Beneficiaries reported remarkable growth in confidence, resilience, and teamwork – qualities that will shape their future success. With initiatives like the Sea.Change Foundation Programme, UKSA provides a steppingstone into maritime careers. Tailored funding ensures that financial barriers do not stand in the way of ambition, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to train and thrive together.

As UKSA looks ahead, the charity is expanding its reach with ambitious goals for 2025, including the regeneration of its Cowes campus and the launch of a secondary site at Victoria Barracks in East Cowes. These developments will ensure even more young people can access UKSA’s life-changing programmes in a safe and inclusive environment.

UKSA’s strategic mission is to continually develop its services, assets, and people to meet the needs of children and young people now and for future generations. This year for the first time, through its partnerships with both Cambridge University and George Williams College (The Centre for Youth Impact), UKSA is proud to be able to validate its impact through the development of two unique Theories of Change supporting its strategic pillars: Impactful Adventures on the Water for children who would not normally be able to attend UKSA; and Maritime Careers Training for employment in the industry. As part of this valuable work, UKSA is proud to launch its latest Impact Report for 2023/24 which outlines this Theory of Change, whilst evidencing the considerable impact that they have on all their beneficiaries. To read UKSA’s full Impact Report click HERE

UKSA is delighted to announce that their recent fundraising absail down the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower has raised an incredible £1,600, thanks to the generous support of their brave participants and their sponsors. The event saw fundraisers take on a 100-metre descent, enjoying breath-taking views across Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent, and the Isle of Wight. UKSA would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and supported the cause. Their efforts will directly contribute to providing life-changing opportunities for young people, helping them broaden their horizons through maritime education, water-based adventures, and training for careers at sea.

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.