The journey to a maritime career starts beyond the horizon at the UKSA. How is this 35-year-old charity breaking down barriers and opening doors for the next generation of seafarers?
In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store travels to Cowes on the Isle of Wight to visit the UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy). More than just a training centre, UKSA is a world-leading maritime youth charity dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities for anyone looking to start or develop a career at sea.
Together, we’ll explore how the UKSA’s waterfront campus has become a launchpad for future mariners and how their strategic partnerships are ensuring that a career on the water is within reach for everyone.
Hear from senior team members Chris Frisby (Director of Training & Operations), Amy Sweeting (Director of Development & Fundraising), Lauren Saltonstall (Industry & Careers Coordinator) and some of their students to discuss the transition from student to professional, the vital role of the £1M+ annual bursary funding and why “life skills” like resilience and confidence are just as important as nautical qualifications.
We explore –
• How the UKSA has raised over £1M a year for student bursaries.
• How they are making the industry more accessible to the next generation.
• How the UKSA provides 24/7 welfare support and 1-on-1 career coaching.
• Insights into the Superyacht Cadetship and Interior Training.
• How residential trips build resilience, confidence, and teamwork.
• The vital role of supporters like The Edmiston Foundation, Trinity House, and The TK Foundation.
Timestamps –
• 01:00 – Fundraising £1M+ in annual student bursaries with Amy Sweeting
• 02:30 – Making the maritime industry accessible to all
• 04:10 – Supporting students outside traditional education
• 05:30 – Interview with adult student, from IT professional to maritime
• 07:15 – Building life skills through residential trips
• 08:35 – How the industry can sponsor the next generation
• 11:30 – Exploring the training fleet: Power, Sail, and Cats
• 12:15 – Interior Training: Seven-star hospitality excellence
• 13:10 – Career Coaching with Lauren Saltonstall
• 15:00 – The Superyacht Cadetship: A student’s perspective
• 17:52 – Student Interview: Gaining early qualifications
• 18:45 – MCA Modernisation and the future of training
• 20:32 – Student Interview: Turning a hobby into a career
• 22:15 – Bridging the skills gap and mental health awareness
• 25:40 – Managing 365 beds and student welfare
• 26:37 – The refreshed gym and sports site
• 27:19 – Bridge Simulator & advanced officer training
• 28:54 – Interview with COO Chris Frisby
• 33:20 – Why students choose Cowes
• 37:15 – The UKSA Legacy & Honouring the original vision
• 41:50 – Looking ahead, what the industry is missing
• 46:10 – How to get involved
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Learn more about the UKSA: https://uksa.org/
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