Funding keeps Students on Track at UKSA

Sept. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- In partnership with the IW College, students will complete a vocational course giving them the academic qualifications and work experience needed to build successful careers in the watersports and outdoor leisure industries.  

The funding will go towards replacing the government’s Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) without which many young people will find it impossible to continue with their vocational course and are more likely to become NEET (not in education, employment or training).

Over the past two years, some students have had to drop out for a number of reasons including having no means of being able to get to UKSA, financing childcare and living in sheltered accommodation.

The average lifetime cost of a NEET to the state is £97,000. UKSA believes it can head off this kind of bill to the taxpayer by ensuring that young people at risk of becoming a NEET can complete their studies despite their socio-economic circumstance making it harder or near impossible to do so.

Despite only being a week into the new term, UKSA has already used some of the funding to purchase bus tickets to ensure two of their students can attend their classes.

UKSA’s Further Education Co-ordinator Gary Kurth said: “It is important that all young people can access educational courses to improve their future outlook with qualifications that increase their employability. With this funding we can provide transport fares, food, clothes for interviews and accommodation for our students.”

Without funding such as this, students can quickly spiral into becoming long-term unemployed, reliant on benefits and at risk of offending, substance misuse and poor health. The costs to the individual and the wider community are high.

Kurth said: “The majority of young people have the motivation and drive to work hard and change their future prospects. It is external forces that they cannot control pushing them out of education.”

By completing their studies and gaining both vocational qualifications and practical work experience, these young people have the opportunity to help themselves improve their own economic circumstances.

Ends
September 2011

For further information contact Jessica Padley: jessica.padley@uksa.org / +44 (0)1983 294941

About UKSA

http://www.uksa.org

UKSA has worked to provide life changing outcomes for young people for 25 years. In that time, the charity has helped more than 100,000 individuals challenge personal boundaries, develop personal and employment skills and embark on fulfilling maritime careers.

This has been achieved by harnessing high quality maritime education, mentoring and support and making it available to all, regardless of their background and ability. UKSA Alumni include the record breaking sailors Dee Caffari MBE and Hilary Lister.

An increasing number of young people are choosing the maritime sector as a career choice over and above University or other employment sectors. They are inspired by the rewards of a career with global opportunities.

UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister. The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

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As a youth maritime charity, UKSA uses maritime education and on-the-water activities to inspire individuals and transform lives. Personal development, improved self esteem, broadened horizons and fulfilling maritime careers are just some of the outcomes.