Young Bristol were pleased to partner with the RYA and Bristol Maritime Academy to pilot a new marine career pathway for young people in Bristol, as part of the 'New Horizons Project'.
The career pathway is the newest initiative of the 'New Horizons Project', which has been running across the Bristol area for over five years, introducing hundreds of young people from the ages of 10-20 to sailing and water sports, many of whom may not otherwise have had access to the water.
This year, Young Bristol has supported the first cohort of 11 young adults from our Outdoor Employment Programme to complete its first year, undertaking a structured pathway designed to equip them with industry‑recognised RYA qualifications. Trainees achieved First Aid, Sea Survival, Marine Radio (SRC) and the RYA PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) course alongside their Powerboat Level 2 certificates.
These qualifications provide the full commercial endorsement, enabling our Trainees to operate powerboats professionally and making them valuable assets to employers across harbours, docks, waterway operations and a wide range of commercial marine environments.
Work placements and employment pathways are being developed with the Bristol Harbour Master, local docks teams and Bristol Maritime, ensuring real opportunities for young people ready to take their next steps into marine work.
Phil Harris, Outdoor Employment Programme Lead said:
“The trainees Young Bristol's Outdoor Employment Programme have benefited immensely from this project. Thirteen young people facing barriers to employment have been given incredible opportunities through this training. Many have already secured job interviews and begun conversations with employers.
The commitment and hard work shown by the trainees has been truly inspiring. Partnerships like this draw on the strengths of all organisations involved and create outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts. We are proud to be contributing to such an impactful project in Bristol.”
Chris Eades, Founder of the Bristol Maritime Academy, added:
“At Bristol Maritime, many of us started without family connections to the water, just a Powerboat Level 2 qualification and a passion for being outdoors on the waterways. Through The New Horizons Project, we’re proud to help people from Bristol and outside the sector get qualified and discover opportunities both globally and, on their doorstep, — from running workboats to supporting environmental projects and teaching others on the water.
By linking this first cohort with organisations such as the Bristol Harbour Authority and our own water safety company, BM Safety, we’re helping them take their first real steps into careers on the water.”
Rob Howlett, RYA Regional Manager added:
“From windsurfing and dinghy sailing to keelboats and yachts, there are so many ways for young people in Bristol to get out on the water. These opportunities build confidence and give them practical skills that can naturally lead into local marine careers. Through the New Horizons Project, we’ve been able to bring community groups, clubs, trainers and employers together, showing that boating is truly accessible and can open doors for young people who might never have considered the sector.
As interest grows, we’re now looking to expand the project to help even more employers find young people with recognised powerboat qualifications.”
Young Bristol remains committed to ensuring that all young people can access meaningful opportunities, develop new skills and build brighter futures. If you would like to find out more about our Outdoor Employment Programme, and how you can get involved with projects similar to the 'New Horizons Project', click here!
