The 125 young people were pushed to their limits after swapping the familiarity of their classrooms for the open water during courses last year when Cornwall Marine Network’s Marine Academy teamed up with global yacht race company Clipper Ventures and Lusty Glaze’s Adventure Centre to offer teenagers the unique week long confidence boosting opportunity.
It proved so successful that all the teenagers, whether unemployed or from eight of Cornwall’s secondary schools and training centres, sailed or paddled away with a maritime recognised qualification to put on their CV.
The seafaring initiative saw teenagers aged 14 to 19 have their wits tested against the elements as they either sailed a 60ft round the world Clipper yacht or entered a challenging programme of kayaking, coasteering and snorkelling. As well as boosting their self esteem and team building skills, the courses are designed to hone their literacy and numeracy as students learn to navigate, plot charts and keep daily logs.
The pilot was funded through Cornwall Council’s European Social Funded Freestyle Project and delivered by Cornwall Marine Network in collaboration with the Learning Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. A further 200 students are due to participate in the venture between March and May this year.
Julie Fellows, director of CMN’s Marine Academy said, ‘You cannot underestimate the positive impact of the programme. It is not an easy option. It is hugely challenging, while rewarding. It offers a different approach to education and is designed to help young people re-engage in learning or improve their chances of employment.
‘The change in the young people at the end is tangible. The skills and experience stay with them when they go back into their academic and personal life. And to have a qualification in the bag when they go to sit their GCSEs is a real confidence boost.’
The celebration ceremony today at Penwith College, Penzance, includes a DVD presentation by Clipper Ventures founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, talks by the students themselves and a presentation of their certificates.
Commenting on the Clipper programme, its recruitment manager David Cusworth said, ‘Staff, students and parents all agree that the exercise has been an exceptional success. The groups faced their fears and overcame obstacles to achieve something memorable and remarkable.
‘The training they received was the same that we give to people joining the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. It is technically challenging stuff and was not watered down because of their age. None of them had ever done anything like this before. They never dreamed they would one day sail on a round the world yacht. The students have done themselves and their schools proud.’
Mark Williams, ESF director for the LSC South West, stressed the initiative has already made a big difference and said, ‘Too many of our young people lack any sense of career direction and, without a goal to aim for, they lose motivation and interest. This programme, the result of real partnership working, has been designed to specifically address these problems.’
In agreement, Penwith College lecturer Simon Horsfall concluded, ‘The students had a fantastic time and benefitted immensely. Many of the skills they learnt such as tolerance and communication form an integral part of life, and this is reflected in some fairly impressive changes to their attitude.
‘What we have seen is a change in aspirations and the fact that they are more able to step outside of their comfort zone than they could before. Hopefully the opportunity will give them confidence to pursue a worthwhile career, as well as showing them the various careers available within the marine industry.’
