Ten Bermudians have been honoured by a sailing charity after completing an programme aimed at helping them to find a career in the maritime industry.

They took part in the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme in January for seven weeks of training and exploring career options.

The programme members were honoured on September 28 during a commencement ceremony at the National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard.

Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s executive director, said: “We are honoured to celebrate the accomplishments of all ten young Bermudians who dedicated an enormous amount of time, energy and effort to build their skills and knowledge throughout the programme.

“They have grown exponentially since they started the programme, benefiting from hands-on training and career development opportunities, career connections, as well as peer-to-peer and mentoring relationships.

“We are extremely proud of each of our Endeavour Maritime Springboard grads, who continue to inspire us as they work hard towards their goals and gain additional experience, training and education.

“We are confident that they will continue to excel and we wish them the best for continued success in the future.”

The Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme is run by Endeavour and Bermuda College’s Athora Division of Professional and Career Education.

The aim is to prepare Bermudians aged 16 to 34 for a career in the maritime industry.

Of this cohort’s ten participants, seven had previously sailed during the Endeavour Middle School Programme and four were in the Endeavour Graduate Programme.

One participant, Jayson Simons, 18, said that the experience made him more curious and humble.

He added: “I recommend this programme to other young people in Bermuda because it provides certifications that you’ll have for life as well as new skills.

“If you want to have a great experience being outside, on the water, learning new skills and getting certifications that get you closer to your goals, do it. It will not disappoint you.”

Adrian McPhee, 19, said that his experience with the Springboard programme gave him a new-found love for sailing and even inspired him to get a sailboat of his own.

He said: “The biggest things I’ve walked away with are a greater confidence in my ability and usefulness on and around the water, and more confidence in my communication skills, especially in a smaller, more direct group setting.

“Also, it has given me the confidence to work towards my next step of a pilot's licence.”

Rajiv Mallory, 35, said: “I’ve changed my whole life to be in the programme and start a new life in the maritime industry, and I have never been happier.

“This was a personal decision that was a calculated risk, and I now believe I made the right decision.”

The 2024 Maritime Career Springboard Programme will run from January 8 to February 23 next year.

A virtual information session will take place on October 19 at 6pm for those interested in the programme.

Those interested must RSVP by e-mailing education@endeavour.bm by October 17 to receive an invitation with Zoom details.

Spaces are limited, and candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the programme and their resume to education@endeavour.bm by 5pm on November 3.