From education to employment

Maritime charity launches bursary to tackle youth unemployment

Youth and maritime training charity UKSA has launched a bursary scheme to help tackle unemployment among 16-25 year olds.

The bursary, which will be offered to those who are unemployed, been on a Change Direction or BTEC programme or provided voluntary work for UKSA, will give recipients access to any of its training for £25 per day.

Before being deployed nationally it will only be open to residents of the Isle of Wight, which has areas of severe deprivation despite being located in one of the wealthiest regions of the UK.

Simon Davies, UKSA’s Director of Youth Development, said the move is a direct response to a major problem identified by young people attending its first youth conference, held in late 2012.

“The conference theme of ‘I Am Not A Number’ reflected the disillusionment felt by many young people who find the scarcity of relevant work experience and lack of training a real barrier to employment,” he said.

“This scheme actively addresses the issue, giving access to formal training and qualifications in the maritime sector to young people on the Isle of Wight, where low employment levels create particular difficulties for school and college leavers.”

Natalie Thornhill


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