Endeavour Maritime Career Programme
Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that builds self-confidence and life skills for Bermuda’s youth through experiential education, partners with the Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education [APACE] to prepare young Bermudians for working in the maritime industry.
A spokesperson said, “The Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme is a seven-week training initiative for Bermudians aged 16 and older to gain hands-on experience and explore career options in the maritime sector. In January 2023, the programme welcomed ten Bermudians, ages 16 to 34 years old, into its sixth cohort, including four high school students [three from CedarBridge Academy and one from The Berkeley Institute] who had to balance their academic commitments with the rigorous needs of the programme.
“Of the ten participants, seven were first exposed to sailing through the Endeavour Middle School Programme, and four were also in the Endeavour Graduate Programme. One participant had even returned as a volunteer after completing the Assistant Instructor Programme, gaining community service credit and supporting younger sailors in the Endeavour Graduate Programme.
“All of the participants reported that their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills had been enhanced from the programme, and that they feel better prepared to work in the maritime industry.”
Jayson Simons, 18 years old, said, “My experience made me more humble to learn new things and ask more questions. I recommend this programme to other young people in Bermuda because it provides certifications that you’ll have for life as well as new skills. If you want to have a great experience being outside, on the water, learning new skills and getting certifications that get you closer to your goals, do it. It will not disappoint you.”
Adrian McPhee, 19, shared, “My participation in the programme benefitted me personally through a newfound love for sailing, which has led me to look for my own sailboat to take care of. The biggest things I’ve walked away with are a greater confidence in my ability and usefulness on and around the water, and more confidence in my communication skills, especially in a smaller, more direct group setting. Also, it has given me the confidence to work towards my next step of a pilot’s licence.”
Rajiv Mallory, 35, shared, “I’ve changed my whole life to be in the programme and start a new life in the maritime industry, and I have never been happier. This was a personal decision that was a calculated risk, and I now believe I made the right decision.”
The spokesperson said, “On September 28th, Endeavour held the Maritime Springboard Commencement Ceremony on World Maritime Day to recognise the achievements of the young Bermudians who completed the 2023 programme. The special event was hosted by the National Museum of Bermuda at their iconic Queen’s Exhibition Hall in Royal Naval Dockyard.”
Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Executive Director shared, “We are honoured to celebrate the accomplishments of all ten young Bermudians who dedicated an enormous amount of time, energy and effort to build their skills and knowledge throughout the programme. They have grown exponentially since they started the programme, benefitting from hands-on training and career development opportunities, career connections, as well as peer to peer and mentoring relationships. We are extremely proud of each of our Endeavour Maritime Springboard Grads who continue to inspire us as they work hard toward their goals, and gain additional experience, training and education. We are confident that they will continue to excel, and we wish them the best for continued success in the future.”
Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, shared “Congratulations to the young Bermudians who have successfully completed the seven-week maritime training and career development programme in partnership with the Bermuda College. I also want to thank Endeavour for their ongoing commitment to promoting interest and opportunities within the maritime industry. The programme offers invaluable experience and the Government will continue to support Endeavour as they serve and encourage the young people of our community.”
Karen Smith, Programme Coordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said, “Bermuda College and Endeavour share a goal to support Bermuda’s youth through training and education that benefits their lifelong growth and development. Since our partnership started in 2018, 64 Bermudians ages 16 to 35 years old have completed this unique career development programme, and over 70% of our Springboard alumni are now working in the maritime industry including some who have joined the Endeavour team as instructors.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms Smith joined Endeavour Board Chair, Tom Miller, to present each Endeavour Maritime Springboard Graduate with their certificates along with a copy of The Bermuda Boater 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.
“Special thanks to the organisations and professionals who supported the 2023 Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme:
- Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo & Bermuda Zoological Society – Dr Alex Amat and team
- Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre – Steve Pegg
- Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority – Taran Card
- BIOS – Kaitlin Noyes, Claire Fox and R/V Atlantic Explorer crew
- Department of Marine & Ports Services – Maquel Bailey and team, including Springboard Grad Taj Maxwell
- K.S. Watersports – Kevin Sousa and Aaron Lindsay
- Ocean Sails – Stevie and Suzanne Hollis
- PW Marine – Stephen Cox
- Royal Bermuda Regiment Bermuda Coast Guard – Captain Jeff Patterson
- SailGP – 2018 Springboard Grads Tré Maxwell & Moriah Wheddon
- Spar Yard Marine Solutions Ltd. – Mark Goodwin and team
- Spirit of Bermuda – David Goulbourne & Lauren Yelle-Simmons
- Waterstart – JP Skinner, Anne Kermode and Phoebe Barboza
Geovanni Hayward, Endeavour’s Programme Manager, noted, “We are thankful for our education and marine partners who support this programme exposing young Bermudians to different maritime career pathways and building their awareness of education and career opportunities. Through sharing career highlights and industry insights they inspire the next generation of Bermudian maritime professionals and equip them with the information they need to be successful.”
Ms Pitcher added, “We are grateful for the collective support from Endeavour’s donors, partners and supporters that enables us to make a positive difference in diverse young lives across our Island home through Endeavour’s programmes. We are deeply thankful for the generous support from Endeavour’s lead founding partner Orbis, along with Arch Capital Group Ltd., BF&M Limited, PwC Bermuda and Centennial Bermuda Foundation, for their support of Endeavour’s 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, “Endeavour is honoured to partner with the Bermuda College for the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme, and we look forward to our continuing work together. We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of aspiring Bermudian maritime professionals for the 2024 programme taking place from January 8th to February 23rd 2024 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
“Endeavour is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association [RYA] which enables 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.
“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 19th at 6pm for those interested to learn more about the programme. RSVP to education@endeavour.bm by October 17th 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 5pm on November 3rd.
Visit www.endeavour.bm to learn more about Endeavour’s work.
