Star UKSA Students Become Academy’s First Foundation Degree Graduates

Dec. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Simone Vena and Lucas Brocker, who have spent three years at UKSA, the youth maritime charity and premier training provider which is based in Cowes, Isle of Wight, graduated in a ceremony held at Truro Cathedral.

Simone Vena, who is from Milan, and Dutch born Lucas Brocker are both now enrolled on the final year of the Marine Studies BSc at Plymouth University.

Commenting on their success, Jon Ely, CEO of UKSA said “Our experience as a global yachting academy has enabled us to create the specialist facilities and job specific training programmes required to develop the future leaders of maritime. It is through this investment and our world class teaching faculty that we are consistently able to deliver a 90 per cent student pass rate across our careers training portfolio.

“Our commitment and delivery promise to students like Simone and Lucas has never been stronger and we applaud their success on what is another significant milestone for us.  Programmes such as the Yachting Cadetship are a viable alternative to going to University, and its original format means that Cadets actually earn while they learn in paid placements on some of the world’s largest superyachts. The chance to progress even further through the Foundation Degree will propel promising students like Simone and Lucas into rewarding, long term international maritime careers.”

Unique to UKSA, the Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science allows students to train for their MCA Deck Officer qualifications over three years. It is delivered in conjunction with Falmouth Marine School and validated by the University of Plymouth.

Designed for learning within the workplace, Foundation Degrees follow a blended learning approach, incorporating classroom teaching with research, distance learning and work placements. Students need to be educated to A level standard or equivalent work place learning and have 120 UCAS points of which at least 80 points need to be at level 2.

Emma Baggett, UKSA’s Industry Liaison and Cadet and Foundation Degree Co-ordinator said: “The modern yachting industry is a rapidly evolving one and the demand for professionally trained skippers and crew with the right skills is significant. This is why UKSA continues to assess and improve its programmes, courses and approaches and works to develop new training pathways for young people who are looking for alternative forms of Higher Education with the promise of rewarding, long term careers at the end.

“Whether you are a young person embarking on your first career or an individual who is looking for a career change, training at UKSA is the first step towards an incredible opportunity to be part of a vibrant global industry that is quick to recognise and reward commitment, hard work and excellence.”

Further information about the Foundation Degree is available from the UKSA’s careers course advisors on  +44 (0)1983 203034, email advice@uksa.org

http://www.uksa.org/yachtcourses

Ends

December 2011

About UKSA

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.
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 trains 800 people each year for maritime employment, and works with a diverse range of employers, from the superyacht owner Roman Abramovich to the Nielson Holidays and PGL activity holidays to help them into employment.

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

http://www.uksa.org

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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.