Photos: Endeavour Launches Career Programme
Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that engages diverse youth across Bermuda in experiential learning that builds their self-confidence and life skills, partnered with the Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education to prepare Bermudian youth for working in the maritime sector.
A spokesperson said, “The Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme offers hands-on training, skills development and exposure to maritime careers for Bermudian youth ages 16 and older. Since 2018, 75 young Bermudians have completed the maritime training and career development initiative, of which 70 percent are now gainfully employed with many working in the maritime field and pursuing additional training and education opportunities.”
“From January 8th to February 23rd, eleven Bermudians between the ages of 16 and 19 years old took part in the seven-week programme from Monday to Friday with occasional weekend training. Ten of eleven participants first started sailing through the Endeavour Middle School Programme, eight of which completed the Endeavour Graduate Programme. One participant, Sivaja’ Perinchief, also completed Endeavour’s Assistant Instructor Programme, volunteering hundreds of hours in support of younger sailors in the Endeavour Grad Programme, and was recently recognised as Endeavour’s Youth Volunteer of the Year.
“Five participants were high school students including two students from The Berkeley Institute, two students from CedarBridge Academy and one homeschool student who all successfully balanced academic commitments throughout their participation in the programme.”
Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Executive Director shared, “We are extremely proud of each Endeavour Maritime Springboard Graduate and their impressive accomplishments. They each demonstrated remarkable commitment and effort embracing opportunities to learn as much as possible to advance their skills, knowledge, and experience. We wish them all the very best for their future endeavours.
“Their success was largely a result of their own hard work, but also the invaluable support from their schools, teachers, and advisors who encouraged their participation in the programme through their flexibility, as well as the support from their Endeavour mentors and their families. Special thanks to Mr. Tyrone McHardy, Dual Enrolment Officer at The Bermuda College for his instrumental support for the programme since its inception in 2018, as well as helping us to gain support for the first dual enrolment Bermuda College student to participate: Sivaja’ Perinchief. We admire his commitment to go above and beyond to support his students in and out of school, and appreciate his partnership and support.”
The spokesperson said, “One hundred percent of participants reported that they benefited from hands-on training, peer to peer and mentoring relationships and multiple avenues for learning and growth as a result of participating in the programme including improving their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.”
17-year old Berkeley Institute student Osiris Buffonge-Hunt shared, “My knowledge and understanding of the maritime industry has increased dramatically after completing the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme because I now understand the steps I must take to get my goals.”
The spokesperson said, “One hundred percent of participants report they have a greater awareness of maritime opportunities and feel better prepared to work in the maritime industry as a result of completing the programme.”
19-year old Yndi-Amir Lottimore shared, “I enjoyed the career days that we went on because it broadened my surroundings with what is available to me. My understanding of the maritime industry has increased because I now understand what the maritime industry actually does for Bermuda and how important it is to Bermuda.
I’ve also become more confident in myself and learned some beneficial skills for life as a result of participating in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme.”
Karen Smith, Bermuda College APACE Coordinator said, “The Bermuda College is excited to continue our partnership with Endeavour for the seventh year for this hands-on training and career development initiative. It is inspiring to see Bermudian youth embrace opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and experience to better prepare them for working in the maritime sector while gaining exposure to different career pathways.”
The spokesperson said, “Participants also learn best practices to improve their resumes and create action plans for their job search and career planning through interactive workshops that prepare them for future success.”
Sari Smith, Endeavour’s Programme Officer & 2021 Endeavour Springboard Grad shared, “There are endless opportunities in the maritime industry from sailmaking to marine mechanics, marine research and ocean technology to maritime operations, search and rescue, superyachts and watersports, sailing instruction to boat deliveries and so much more! We are very thankful to Endeavour’s education and marine partners who inspire the next generation of Bermudian mariners by sharing their own experiences and insights during career days, and expose Bermudian youth to a multitude of career pathways to equip them with the information they need to be successful.”
Olivia Reilly, Endeavour Operations Manager explains “Another benefit of the hands-on training offered is the opportunity for young Bermudians to achieve internationally recognised qualifications. The qualifications provide the foundation of maritime knowledge and skills which are transferable through many career pathways and provide exposure toward new opportunities or areas of interest in the maritime industry.
The spokesperson said, “Endeavour is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association [RYA] which enables the organisation to offer courses toward achieving the following qualifications: RYA Sailing Level 1, 2 and 3, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA Seamanship, RYA First Aid, RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding, RYA VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate [SRC] as well as RYA Dinghy Instructor for those who are interested in teaching youth sailing.
“Five participants were successful in achieving the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification including 2022 Springboard Grad Tre’sure Nanette who now works full-time with Endeavour as a Programme Instructor after interning in 2023.
“During the final week of the programme seven participants gained additional hands-on experience and insights into maritime career pathways by engaging in job shadowing opportunities with some of our marine partners. Special thanks to the Bermuda Zoological Society and Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, Waterstart, PW Marine and Endeavour’s Maintenance Technician, Ian Morrell, who dedicated time with our Springboard participants.”
Dr. Alex Amat, Lead of Ocean Education at the Bermuda Zoological Society shared, “BZS has now been involved with the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme for three years and, once again, it was a pleasure to inspire the participants in the careers we have with BZS and BAMZ. We hosted a very eager group of young men who all wanted to jump in the water! However, as captains, marine educators or aquarists, you may not need to get salty all the time. Everybody, however, got to be hands-on behind the scenes actively involved in the running of the aquarium with three acting as collectors for some new specimens needed.”
Kate Cooper, Aquarist at Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo said, “It was wonderful to connect with a group of young people who are so interested in marine jobs. It was even better to see some of them come back and volunteer with us for another few days. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours and hope we managed to show them a snapshot of different marine careers.”
Mrs. Pitcher added, “We are honoured to partner with Bermuda’s marine organisations and The Bermuda College to provide hands-on training and education, mentorship, and career exploration support for Bermudian youth. With positive role models and supportive peers, the Endeavour community is a lifeline to many who face substantial barriers in entering the workforce and who may not otherwise succeed or have access to the same opportunities without the support of the organisation. I am continually inspired by the young people who, in spite of hardships and disadvantages, remain optimistic, eager to learn and enthusiastic to take advantage of all that Endeavour has to offer.”
The spokesperson said, “Huge thanks to the marine partners and professionals who supported the 2024 Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme:
- Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo & Bermuda Zoological Society – Alex Amat and team
- Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre – Steve Pegg
- Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority – Taran Card
- Bermuda Yacht Services – Mark Soares
- BIOS – Kaitlin Noyes and team
- Department of Marine & Ports Services – Maquel Bailey, Mario Thompson and team
- 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 and Sergeant Sean Wheatley
- Spar Yard Marine Solutions Ltd. – Mark Goodwin and team
- Spirit of Bermuda – Jamila Hanley, David Goulbourne and Crew
- Waterstart – JP Skinner, Anne Kermode and Phoebe Barboza
“Endeavour’s work would not be possible without the generous support from our valued donors and partners. We are immensely grateful for the commitment and partnership from lead founding partner Orbis Investments, along with Arch Capital Group Ltd., BF&M Limited, PwC Bermuda, and Centennial Bermuda Foundation.
“Special thanks to WISTA Bermuda for supporting the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme, and Nicole Butterworth who kindly facilitated the Royal Yachting Association First Aid Course for this year’s cohort.
“The next dates for the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme are Monday, January 6th through Friday, February 21st, 2025. Candidates must be Bermudian ages 16 and older, be able to commit for the duration of the programme, exhibit a positive attitude and have a strong willingness to learn. Applications will be accepted until November 4th via email to education@endeavour.bm.
“Visit at www.endeavour.bm to learn more about Endeavour’s programmes that are positively impacting diverse young lives across Bermuda.”
