A future for Bristol's water workforce

A brand-new careers programme has launched in Bristol to help young people from diverse backgrounds gain the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to pursue their first jobs in the marine sector.

The programme 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. 

Over the last five years dozens of children and young adults from local groups including Black to Nature and DET Entertainment have progressed through Stage 1 & 2 sailing certifications thanks to the subsidised and free introduction to sailing opportunities the project offers. Some participating groups having seen such positive outcomes that they now organise and fund their own sailing sessions, recognising the benefits and opportunities the sport offers to the young people they support.

Today the project is evolving to create opportunities for young people to take control of their futures, with the New Horizons Project Careers Programme completing its first year with 11 participants aged 18–25 undertaking a structured pathway designed to equip them with industry recognised RYA qualifications.

Throughout the year, the group has successfully completed First Aid, Sea Survival, Marine Radio (SRC) and the RYA PPR (Professional Practices and Responsibilities) course alongside their Powerboat Level 2 certificates. Together, these qualifications provide the full commercial endorsement, enabling them to operate powerboats professionally and making them valuable assets to employers across harbours, docks, waterway operations and a wide range of commercial marine environments.

With increasing activity across the city’s waterways and a growing demand for staff who can confidently and safely operate powerboats, there is a clear appetite for skilled workers who hold recognised qualifications

“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.” - Chris Eades, founder of the Bristol Maritime Academy 

The New Horizons Project Careers Programme is being delivered in partnership with the RYA, Bristol Maritime and Young Bristol, a well-known youth services charity group who focus on supporting local young people aged 8-25 during their critical out of school hours.  

Work placements and employment pathways for graduates are being explored in collaboration with the Bristol Harbour Master, local docks teams, and Bristol Maritime, ensuring participants have real opportunities once they complete the course to take their next steps into marine work. 

“The trainees on the Young Bristol 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, including the Harbour Authority and Bristol Maritime Academy. 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. On behalf of all the trainees and everyone at Young Bristol, thank you to all the partners involved.” - Phil Harris, outdoor employment programme coordinator, Young Bristol 

“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.” - Rob Howlett, RYA Regional Manager 

Learn more about how to start sailing and the training opportunities available to you. To enquire about getting involved with The New Horizons Project or for employers looking to expand their marine workforce in the Bristol area with qualified young workers, please email rob.howlett@rya.org.uk.