A maritime careers programme attracted the highest number of participants to date in its latest cohort of young Bermudians.

The seven-week Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme attracted 14 participants — ten male and four female.

Partnering with the Bermuda College Athora Professional and Career Education, the programme aims to equip young people with the skills and resources to jump-start careers in the maritime industry.

On September 29, Endeavour organised the 2022 commencement ceremony at the National Museum of Bermuda’s Queen’s Exhibition Hall in Royal Naval Dockyard.

Karen Smith, programme co-ordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said: “Bermuda College and Endeavour continue to maximise their impact in the community through this dynamic collaborative effort.

“Since the pilot programme was offered in 2018, 54 Bermudians aged 16 to 35, representing different interests and career goals have completed the programme, and over 70 per cent of them are now working in the maritime industry including some who have joined the Endeavour team as instructors.

“This is a direct result of us pooling our resources to best serve Bermuda’s young people.”

Duranda Greene, Bermuda College president, joined Erin Williams representing Endeavour’s lead partner, Orbis Investments, to present each graduate with their certificates along with a copy of The Bermuda Boater book donated by author Ralph Richardson.

Elijah Samuels, an 18-year-old Berkeley Institute graduate, said: “My knowledge in the maritime industry has increased drastically after participating in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme.

“I’ve learnt a lot about different aspects of the maritime world and the programme has definitely grown and cemented my desire to be a marine captain.

“Doing the Springboard programme was one of the best decisions I ever made and I definitely recommend it to any young Bermudian looking to get into the maritime industry.“

Mr Samuels has received a vocational, technical and trade scholarship from the Centennial Bermuda Foundation to support his participation in A+ World Academy, where he is studying seamanship courses and gaining sea hours towards his goal of becoming a superyacht captain.

MaLahku Selassie, a 19-year-old graduate of the programme, has been applying what he learnt as well as gaining further experience with the Endeavour team, working as a programme instructor intern. He also works as a deckhand with the Rising Son.

He said: “I have learnt so much from my experiences with Endeavour and I look forward to continuing to broaden my knowledge and experience becoming a better teacher while gaining additional skills towards furthering my maritime career.”

The next Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme takes place from January 9 to February 24 next year.

Spaces are limited and candidates are invited to submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the programme along with their CV via e-mail to education@endeavour.bm by 5pm on November 4.

A virtual Information session will take place on October 20 at 6pm for those interested in learning more about the programme. RSVP to education@endeavour.bm by October 18 to receive an invitation with Zoom details.