Endeavour & APACE Offering Programme

Endeavour is partnering with the Bermuda College Division of Athora Professional and Career Education [APACE] for a career development and training initiative that “equips young Bermudians with hands-on training and knowledge to jumpstart their career in the maritime industry.”

A spokesperson said, “Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that engages diverse youth across Bermuda in experiential learning that builds their self-confidence and life skills, partners with the Bermuda College Division of Athora Professional and Career Education for a career development and training initiative that equips young Bermudians with hands-on training and knowledge to jumpstart their career in the maritime industry.

“The Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme provides hands-on training and career development opportunities as well as career exploration and networking opportunities for Bermudian youth ages 16 and older to prepare them for working in the maritime sector, starting their career and building a better future for themselves.

“Endeavour welcomed a fifth cohort of 14 young Bermudians ages 16 to 21 years old including four females and ten males, who took part in the seven-week programme from January 10th to February 25th, 2022 representing the largest and youngest cohort to date.

“Nine of the participants first started sailing with Endeavour through the Endeavour Middle School Programme followed by the Endeavour Graduate Programme, of which six were Assistant Instructors who volunteered hundreds of community service hours supporting younger sailors in the Endeavour Graduate Programme over the past few years.

“Ten participants were high school students who balanced their academic commitments while being immersed in the programme including four students from CedarBridge Academy, three students from The Berkeley Institute, one from Saltus and two home school students.”

17-year old CedarBridge Academy student and 2022 Springboard graduate Nijanae Pemberton said, “Thank you to all of Endeavour’s donors and people who make this programme possible. I was encouraged and inspired during my time volunteering with Endeavour as an Assistant Instructor by other Endeavour team members who had completed the programme.

“From then on I was beyond excited and waiting for this programme, and I was checking my email every day so I would not miss my opportunity. From the programme, I gained problem solving, leadership, humility, confidence and a bunch of other skills I can use in the future.

“My life has changed tremendously from this programme as I got the amazing chance to work with Endeavour over the summer and it was a truly uplifting and knowledgeable experience. I have been working and volunteering with Endeavour and sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with other young people who I believe would excel with this programme.

“My goal is to continue volunteering and hopefully work with Endeavour in the future to get more marine knowledge and leadership experience before embarking in pursuing my career goals of being a Film Director using my leadership and other skills from the Springboard programme.”

18-year-old Berkeley Institute graduate and 2022 Endeavour Springboard graduate Elijah Samuels said, “My knowledge in the maritime industry has increased drastically after participating in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme. I’ve learned a lot about different aspects of the maritime world and the programme has definitely grown and cemented my desire to be a marine captain.

“Doing the Springboard Programme was one of the best decisions I ever made and I definitely recommend it to any young Bermudian looking to get into the maritime industry. It was a fantastic experience and it gave me skills that have paved a path for my future.”

The spokesperson said, “Elijah has received a vocational, technical and trade scholarship from the Centennial Bermuda Foundation to support his participation in A+ World Academy where he is currently studying seamanship courses and gaining sea hours toward his goal of working toward a Super Yacht captain.”

Karen Smith, Programme Coordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said, “Bermuda College and Endeavour continue to maximise their impact in the community through this dynamic collaborative effort. Since the pilot programme was offered in 2018, 54 Bermudians ages 16 to 35 years old representing different interests and career goals have completed the programme, and over 70% of them are now working in the maritime industry including some who have joined the Endeavour team as instructors.

“This is a direct result of us pooling our resources to best serve Bermuda’s young people.”

The spokesperson said, “19-year old MaLahku Selassie, who is a 2022 Endeavour Springboard graduate, has been applying what he learned through the programme as well as gaining further experience working with the Endeavour team working as a Programme Instructor Intern as well as working as a Deckhand with the Rising Son.”

Mr. Selassie said, “I have learned so much from my experiences with Endeavour, and I look forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge and experience becoming a better teacher while gaining additional skills toward furthering my maritime career.”

The spokesperson said, “On Thursday, September 29th Endeavour organised the 2022 Endeavour Maritime Springboard Commencement Ceremony hosted by the National Museum of Bermuda’s Queen’s Exhibition Hall in Royal Naval Dockyard. The beautiful venue was very fitting to celebrate the special occasion on World Maritime Day to recognise achievements of the young Bermudians who completed the 2022 programme.

“Bermuda College President Dr. Duranda Greene joined Erin Williams representing Endeavour’s lead partner Orbis Investments, to present each Endeavour Maritime Springboard Graduate with their certificates along with a copy of The Bermuda Boater book donated by author Ralph Richardson. Special thanks to Fourways Catering who supported the special occasion with canapés and refreshments, as well as Great Sound Lighting and Audio Visual who supported the event.”

Endeavour’s Executive Director, Jennifer Pitcher, said, “We celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of each young person who has completed the programme. They demonstrated unwavering determination and perseverance throughout the programme and have grown tremendously throughout their journey.

“We are beyond proud of how far they have come and they continue to inspire us with their commitment to accomplish their goals after completing the programme, applying what they learned while further developing their skills through additional training, education and work experiences. We wish them all the very best in the future.

“We appreciate the collective support from Endeavour’s donors, partners and supporters that enables us to create a positive impact in diverse young lives across our Island home through Endeavour’s programmes. We are honoured to partner with the Bermuda College toward the continuing success of the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme.

“We are immensely grateful for the generous support from Endeavour’s lead founding partner Orbis, along with Arch Capital Group Ltd., Centennial Bermuda Foundation, and Ocean Wilsons Holdings Limited for their support of the Maritime Springboard Programme which enables us to ensure that youth of all backgrounds across Bermuda are able to access this programme and benefit from it for years to come.”

The spokesperson said, “One hundred percent of participants report they have an enhanced awareness of maritime opportunities and feel better prepared to work in the maritime industry as a result of completing the programme.”

Danielle Frith, Endeavour’s Community Engagement Coordinator, said, “We appreciate all of our education and marine partners who lend their support to this programme inspiring the next generation of Bermudian maritime professionals through interactive career days that expose young Bermudians to different maritime career pathways and build their awareness of education and career opportunities.

“They dedicate time to share their own career highlights as well as tips for being successful in the maritime industry to broaden awareness of the vast range of maritime careers and further training and education.”

The spokesperson said, “We are grateful for the marine partners who support the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme:

• Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo & Bermuda Zoological Society – Alex Amat, Captain Nigel Pollard and the rest of the BAMZ and BZS team
• Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority – Taran Card
• Bermuda Yacht Services – Mark Shares
• BIOS – Kaitlin Noyes and Claire Fox
• Department of Marine & Ports Services – Maquel Bailey and Pilot Nicholas Maynard
• K.S. Watersports – Kevin Sousa and Aaron Lindsay and Springboard Grad Dontae Butterfield
• Ocean Sails – Stevie and Suzanne Hollis
• Royal Bermuda Regiment Bermuda Coastguard – Colour Sergeant Tyler Smith
• Spar Yard Marine Solutions Ltd. – Springboard Grad Kris Cameron, Chris Roque, and Mark Goodwin
• Spirit of Bermuda – Lauren Yelle Simmons, Captain Alex Peacock and the Spirit Crew
• Waterstart – JP Skinner and Phoebe Barboza”

James Harris, Endeavour’s Operations Manager, said, “Another benefit of the hands-on training offered is the opportunity for young Bermudians to achieve internationally recognised qualifications. The qualifications lay the foundation of maritime knowledge and skills which are transferable through many career pathways, and provide exposure toward new opportunities or areas of interest that they were not previously aware of.

“Endeavour is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association [RYA] which allows us to offer courses toward achieving the following qualifications: RYA Sailing Level 1 and 2, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Seamanship, RYA Safety Boat, RYA First Aid, RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding, RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate [SRC] as well as RYA Dinghy Instructor for those who are interested in teaching youth sailing.

“Participants also learn best practices to improve their resumes, as well as create action plans for their job search and career planning through interactive workshops that prepare them for future success.”

The spokesperson said, “We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of aspiring Bermudian maritime professionals for the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme taking place from Monday, January 9th to Friday, February 24th, 2023 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. No previous sailing experience is necessary however to be considered candidates must be available to commit for the duration of the programme, as well as exhibit a positive attitude, open-mindedness and a strong willingness to learn.

“A virtual information session will take place on October 20 at 6.00pm for those interested to learn more about the programme. RSVP to education@endeavour.bm by October 18 to receive an invite with Zoom details.

“Spaces are very limited and candidates are invited to submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the programme along with their resume via email to education@endeavour.bm by 5.00pm on November 4.

“Check out the video below highlighting some of the young Bermudians who completed the 2022 Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme and visit www.endeavour.bm to learn more about Endeavour and how we are making a positive impact in young lives across Bermuda.”

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