Endeavour Trains Seventh Springboard Cohort
Earlier this year, Endeavour collaborated with Bermuda College’s APACE to train 11 young Bermudians for maritime careers through the Maritime Career Springboard Programme.
A spokesperson said, “Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that engages diverse youth across Bermuda in experiential education that builds their self-confidence and skills, partnered with the Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education [APACE] to prepare young Bermudians for working in the maritime industry.
“The Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme equips Bermudian youth ages 16 and older with hands-on training and experience, skills development and exposure to maritime career pathways.
“In January 2024, Endeavour welcomed 11 young Bermudians, ages 16 to 19 years old, into its seventh cohort of the Springboard Programme, including seven high school students – two from CedarBridge Academy, two from The Berkeley Institute, one homeschool student, one student from The Adult Education School, and another from an independent school. These students successfully balanced their academic commitments with the rigorous requirements of the programme.
“Of the 11 participants, ten first started sailing through the Endeavour STEAM Education through Sailing Programme when they were 11-12 years old, of which eight completed the Endeavour Graduate Programme. One participant, Sivaja’ Perinchief, completed Endeavour’s Assistant Instructor Programme, and has volunteered hundreds of hours in support of younger sailors in the Endeavour Graduate Programme, and was recognised as Endeavour’s 2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year.
“All of the participants reported that they feel they have benefited from their participation in the programme, stating that they feel better prepared to work in the maritime industry as a result of improved teamwork and communication skills, hands-on experience, and enhanced awareness of maritime career opportunities.”
Erin Williams [Orbis], Minister Jason Hayward, Jibril Taylor, Sivaja’ Perinchief, Dennajae Paynter, Dennajye Paynter, Yndi-Amir Lottimore, Jaire Shields, Osiris Buffonge-Hunt, Jamon Doers, and Bermuda College President Dr. David Sam:
18-year-old Jibril Taylor said, “I really enjoyed my experience in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme. The training and qualifications I obtained are very beneficial but it was also rewarding to meet new people including my fellow Springboard cohort, the coaches and all of the maritime industry professionals.
“The maritime career days were very interesting and helpful to learn more about the different roles and career pathways within the maritime sector. I am currently working with Endeavour as a Programme Instructor Intern which is a great opportunity to apply the skills that I have learnt while continuing to grow and learn.”
18-year-old Osiris Buffonge-Hunt said, “I was keen to participate in the Maritime Springboard Programme to explore different career pathways in the maritime industry while developing my skills. I am grateful for the opportunity to have achieved multiple qualifications and hands-on experience through participating in the programme that have boosted my resume and confidence.
“It was challenging to balance my school commitments while completing the programme however I am proud that I was able to persevere and accomplish my goals. Since completing the programme I am proud to be working in the maritime industry and I am working as a deck hand with Kirk’s Coral Reef Adventures. I have several exciting prospects and career goals for my future.”
17-year-old Sivaja’ Perinchief – a CedarBridge Academy S4 and Bermuda College dual enrolment student, said, “I was interested to participate in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme because of my passion and love for sailing and encouragement from my coaches at Endeavour. I really enjoyed the sailing aspects of the programme allowing me to improve my sailing skills further, as well as additional training opportunities that led me to obtain my Royal Yachting Association Dinghy Instructor qualification.
“Since completing the programme in February, I have continued to gain experience with Endeavour putting my skills to good use and over the summer I was able to work as a sailing instructor.”
The spokesperson said, “On September 26th, Endeavour held the Maritime Springboard Commencement Ceremony on World Maritime Day to recognise the achievements of the young Bermudians who completed the 2024 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, said, “We are extremely proud to celebrate the achievements of the eleven exceptional young Bermudians who put in a remarkable amount of commitment and efforts to develop their skills and knowledge during the seven-week programme. Each young person has grown tremendously since the beginning of the programme as a result of their dedication and hard work.
“Their keen enthusiasm to explore career development opportunities, build career connections, and embrace new experiences is truly inspiring. We are excited to see what the future holds for each one of them and wish them all the best for continued success as they continue to work hard toward their goals.”
Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward said, “Congratulations to all participants in this year’s Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme! Your hard work and dedication in completing this rigorous training are truly commendable. As the Minister of Economy and Labour, I recognise the importance of nurturing homegrown talent in our industries.
“The skills you’ve acquired—from sailing fundamentals to safety and basic navigation—prepare you for both local and global opportunities in the maritime sector. Your success not only benefits you personally but also strengthens our economy and workforce, positioning Bermuda as a leader in the global maritime industry. Keep seizing the opportunities ahead, and rest assured that your government is committed to supporting you every step of the way.”
Karen Smith, Programme Coordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said, “At Bermuda College, we are proud to offer experiential learning pathways that align with the needs of local industries, such as our partnership with Endeavour. Through this collaboration, students gain hands-on experience and invaluable skills that prepare them for careers in Bermuda’s maritime sector.
“The recent cohort of 11 Bermudian graduates exemplifies how immersive learning not only broadens their horizons but also supports the local workforce, contributing to the growth of vital industries that drive our island’s economy.”
The spokesperson said, “Minister Hayward was joined by Erin Williams of Orbis Investments, Bermuda College President, Dr. David Sam and Bermuda College Vice President, Dr. Ali Arouzi, to present each 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 2024 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
- Bermuda Yacht Services – Mark Soares
- BIOS – Kaitlin Noyes and team including R/V Atlantic Explorer crew
- Department of Marine & Ports Services – Maquel Bailey 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
- Spar Yard Marine Solutions Ltd. – Mark Goodwin and team
- Spirit of Bermuda – David Goulbourne and Jamila Hanley
- Waterstart – JP Skinner, Anne Kermode and Phoebe Barboza
Geovanni Hayward, Endeavour’s East Programme Manager, said, “We are grateful for all of Endeavour’s education and marine partners who help make this programme possible. Their support and dedication is inspiring the next generation of Bermudian mariners and maritime professionals to follow their dreams and work hard toward their goals while giving them invaluable insights into what it is like to work in the maritime industry and tips for how to be successful.”
Ms. Pitcher said, “This programme would not be possible without the incredible support from Endeavour’s valued donors, partners and supporters. Endeavour is honoured to partner with the Bermuda College and marine partners island-wide to provide training and career development opportunities for Bermuda’s youth that will have a positive impact on their future.
“We are deeply grateful to Endeavour’s lead founding partner Orbis Investments for their unwavering support, along with Arch Capital Group Ltd., BF&M Limited, PwC Bermuda, Centennial Bermuda Foundation and all other donors for their generous support.”
The spokesperson said, “Endeavour is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association [RYA] which enables us to offer training toward achieving internationally recognised qualifications including: RYA Sailing Level 1, 2, and 3, 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, job search strategies and interview tips through interactive workshops focused on career development and job readiness.
“The next dates for the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme are Monday, January 6th through February 21st 2025 from 9am to 4pm. 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.
“Learn more about the programme at the virtual Information session on October 24th at 6pm. RSVP to education@endeavour.bm by October 22nd to receive an invite with Zoom details.
“Candidates must submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the programme along with their resume via email to education@endeavour.bm by 5pm on November 1st.
“Visit endeavour.bm to learn more about Endeavour’s programmes.”
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