If you’ve had your GCSE or A Level results this summer, you may be considering your future options. If you windsurf already or are wanting to learn you could turn your passion for the sport into a full time career with the UKSA.

If you’re looking for an alternative to university but still want a career, the range of courses at UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight, are worth investigating if you’re the sporty type and looking for something different.

You don’t have to have sailing or watersports experience – the waterside campus has entry level courses and quite a range to choose from. There are several routes leading to careers in watersports, yachting, superyachts and the wider maritime industry – where jobs are varied, interesting and in more abundance than in many other industries.

Opportunities Afloat will get you started. It’s a careers taster course perfect for young people aged between 16-25 who might want to consider a life at sea, but are undecided about the various options or whether it will suit them. It’s a five day residential for just £199, with food, kit and tuition included.

Ben Willows, UKSA’s Director of Operations, said the course had been carefully created due to a need among young people to find an introductory careers course that motivates them, gives them realistic advice and lets them try a whole range of disciplines.

The five day course includes valuable on-the-water experience alongside classroom based seminars with industry experts, careers advice sessions, and even a night on a yacht – which should prove a great experience and an opportunity to find out if working at sea is the right path for you.

As a charity there are funding options too. For example, the long-term career course, the Superyacht Cadetship, has bursaries worth thousands of pounds available for the right candidates so it’s worth finding out more. And those aged 19 and over could be eligible for funding towards the Watersports Instructor Training Diploma.

On the UKSA watersports courses students are currently being offered guaranteed interviews with several of the leading industry employers – Mark Warner, Neilson, Sunsail and Ocean Elements. It’s the best start you can have when looking for a job in watersports.

UKSA hold monthly open days, with the next one taking place on September 13. To find out more, contact 01983 203038 or [email protected]