Endeavour 2019 Maritime Careers Springboard

Endeavour Community Sailing, a non-profit educational sailing organisation “dedicated to engaging young people from different socioeconomic backgrounds across Bermuda with experiential learning” is partnering again with the Bermuda College Division of Professional & Career Education to offer a career development and training opportunity for Bermudian youth aged 16 and older.

A spokesperson said, “The 7-week intensive training programme provides Bermudian youth ages 16 and older an amazing opportunity to obtain internationally recognised qualifications and valuable experience to springboard into a maritime industry career. The programme aims to increase exposure to maritime career pathways and enhance employability skills for local youth to start a career in the maritime industry.

“The inaugural programme was piloted from Jan. 15-Feb. 28, 2018 and greatly benefited 11 local youth participants providing them with practical experience, invaluable knowledge and the opportunity to achieve Royal Yachting Association [RYA] qualifications which are highly respected and recognised worldwide. Certifications included RYA Sailing levels 1, 2, and 3; RYA Powerboat Level 1 and 2; RYA Safety Boat; RYA Marine First Aid; RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding; Marine VHF Radio Operator License; RYA Dinghy Instructor; and International Certificate of Competence.”

Tia Tankard, Club Development Officer for Endeavour Community Sailing, said, “it’s incredible to know that over such a short period of time the programme participants are able to accomplish significant personal and professional development. From their communication and presentation skills to their sailing instruction abilities – their remarkable effort and teamwork skills have been inspiring to observe.

“As well as the hands-on training and sailing instruction skills, participants benefit from skills development including teamwork, communication, presentation, problem-solving and decision-making. They improve their resume writing and interview preparation skills, learn about training and education requirements, career pathways, how and where to apply for jobs, and gain exposure to contacts in the maritime industry both locally and overseas.

“We’re grateful for the invaluable support provided by the Bermuda College Professional and Career Education Division and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club which has ensured the success of this unique programme offering.”

Tom Herbert Evans, Endeavour’s Community Sailing Manager, said, “what started out as a vision to expose local youth to the diverse range of career opportunities in the international maritime industry has had a meaningful impact on our community through the lives of the 11 youth participants who embarked on an ambitious journey representing the first cohort to participate in the programme.

“Each of these young people have come along way in their own development and have bright futures ahead of them with multiple prospects on the horizon, and we’re very proud of what they’ve accomplished so far.”

“The maritime industry is full of opportunities for Bermuda’s youth and the Endeavour Maritime Careers Springboard Programme provides participants with invaluable exposure into the variety of roles available as well as offers the initial training and qualifications for participants to jumpstart their careers.

“The programme offers participants with the perfect stepping stone to work wherever in the world there is water with endless maritime career opportunities available including the superyacht industry, yacht deliveries, merchant shipping, watersports, marine and ports, and many more!”

Tre Maxwell, Endeavour Programme Instructor, said, “The programme has opened a lot of new job opportunities both internationally and locally. It enabled me to achieve many qualifications which are all very beneficial to finding jobs throughout the maritime industry.” A positive success as Tre has recently joined the Endeavour Community Sailing team after working at the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre in Lake Garda Italy earlier this year.

Karen Smith, Bermuda College PACE Programme Coordinator said, “Bermuda College is very excited about partnering again with Endeavour Community Sailing. Bermuda is the perfect training ground for such a programme.

“It establishes a firm foundation for a promising career in the maritime industry both locally and internationally. We encourage everyone who is a young person with a love of the water and sailing in particular to come out to the Information Session on Wednesday, November 21st at 6pm in the Blue Room [H115] at the Bermuda College.”

“The 2019 Endeavour Maritime Careers Springboard Programme will take place from Monday to Friday starting January 14th and concluding on March 4th. Spaces are extremely limited and interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining why they are an ideal candidate for the programme and their resume outlining their skills set via email to education@endeavour.bm by 5pm on November 30th.

“Those who are shortlisted will be invited to an interview with a selection panel in early December. Participant costs are approximately $1,200 each, covering certification and course fees, books, administrative fees from the Bermuda College and RYA coach fees for the international assessors. Financial assistance is available on a needs-basis only.

“Candidates who may be interested do not need a sailing background as long as they demonstrate a positive attitude, open-mindedness and a strong willingness to learn they will be considered for the programme. Please direct any queries to Tia Tankard at education@endeavour.bm.”

Ms. Tankard said, “We’re especially thankful for the participants’ families for supporting them throughout the intensive training programme. As well as the support from the community including Endeavour Community Sailing’s lead sponsor Orbis along with other sponsors and donors who have made this programme a tremendous success.”

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