RYA talks BTEC Sailing and Watersports

RYA talks BTEC Sailing and Watersports © RYA

To kick start the RYA's week looking at different careers in the marine industry and ways to get started, to coincide with Lifeskills National Careers Week, we hear from RYA Chief Instructor, Dinghy and Windsurfing, Amanda Van Santen about marine BTEC's and we chat with students at the London Nautical School who are currently taking the Level 3 BTEC Sailing and Watersports course and what they hope to do with their qualifications in the future.

Amanda recently spent time working with the London Nautical School looking at the delivery and prospects of BTEC courses, and how they can provide a perfect route for young people who wish to follow careers in industries such as those in the Maritime Sector.

"Vocational courses lend themselves well to our environment, providing a more hands on approach that other further education options tend not to offer", commented Amanda.

There are a number of Colleges and Further Educations establishments offering BTECs in subjects such as Outdoor Activities, which provide an introduction and insight into the scope and wider prospects the Maritime Industry has to offer.

However, with the Government working hard to reform and subsequently reduce subjects which they feel lack career prospects, including the Maritime Industry, the industry needs to work together to promote, market and support young people looking at the marine industry as a possibility for a future career.

The London Nautical School sees students commuting in from all across London to study because they can gain sailing qualifications at the same time as A-levels and every student taking the level 2 and 3 Sailing BTECs are automatically provided with RYA logbooks and put through various RYA certificates as they progress through the school. The courses are funded and timetabled in exactly the same way as any other 'A' level or BTEC course.

For some students being able to gain sailing qualifications alongside main stream A-levels/BTECs means they can follow a career in the Watersports sector. For others it is a passion they are able to pursue, which enables them to volunteer or work as a dinghy instructor at weekends or during university breaks.

Alyce Djender (18), Steven Babic (17) and Adam Willmott (17) are all students at the London Nautical School taking the level 3 BTEC Sailing and Watersports and are looking for careers in the marine industry.

We chatted with the students and Head of Nautical Studies at the London Nautical School to hear more about the course and how it will help them in their future employment.

"I'm hoping to get a job in the Merchant Navy and having this qualification on my CV will help me stand out when going for interviews as it shows what skills I already have in the field", commented Alyce. "The course really broadens your horizons and you learn a lot about yourself. It can be challenging but if an office job isn't for you and you prefer a job on the water this is the perfect course for you."

Perhaps the biggest draw for students on these courses, is the critical skills shortage in the shipping industry. This means shipping companies are fully sponsoring students to study maritime degrees and HNDs.

Head of Nautical Studies at the London Nautical School (LNS) James Bullar comments: "Proof is in the pudding........there are currently four ex Nautical School students studying at Southampton University and two at South Shields Marine School, all with no tuition fees to pay and guaranteed jobs. Ex LNS student Oliver Scott, 49er sailor and RS Feva World Championships competitor, is currently in the Caribbean on a cruise liner as part of his Southampton University Warsash training."

There is a new level 2 Maritime BTEC being developed at the moment, designed to meet the criteria for inclusion in the Department for Education list of high value vocational qualifications, and therefore counting in league tables. The aim is to evolve the existing level 2 sailing BTEC still being taught by schools. There are a number of hurdles this new qualification needs to pass though before it can be published, but has already gained wide industry support for the need for it.

"Many of our Training Centres have linked with nearby colleges to embed NGB qualifications into college BTEC courses, to ensure they are fit for purpose, increasing job prospects when students leave education, boosting the industry and its recognition. If this is something that your centre could offer and support, or you know any young sailors, Assistant Instructors or Club Members who would benefit from understanding the job prospects and career opportunities through local colleges, then please contact the RYA Training Department", concluded Amanda. (Email: )

To find out more about the London Nautical School's Nautical Programme visit www.lns.org.uk/Nautical-Studies

LifeSkills National Careers Week, 2-6 March

Throughout the week the RYA will be sharing articles and profiles on a whole host of careers within the marine industry. Make sure you visit the RYA website www.rya.org.uk, Facebook page www.facebook.com/royalyachtingassociation, or Twitter @rya for all the latest stories.

For more information about RYA Training Courses and Careers Advice visit www.rya.org.uk/training

For more information about National Careers Week visit www.nationalcareersweek.com or follow on Twitter @NCW2015

Working with Water

RYA Working with Water contains everything you need to know about working in any area of the vast Watersports industry, whether it is as dinghy instructor, sail maker or lock keeper. Written by marine journalist Jeremy Evans, RYA Working with Water provides advice for Watersports enthusiasts, whether they are looking for a gap-year pastime or a new career.

For more information or to purchase your copy of RYA Working with Water see www.rya.org.uk/pages/search.aspx?k=rya%20working%20with%20water&s=shop

WIN A COPY OF RYA WORKING WITH WATER – Visit us on Twitter @rya and tell us what your dream marine job is with the hashtag #dreammarinejob and everyday throughout the week we'll pick a winner.