A commencement ceremony was held for the latest student cohort of a maritime career programme.

The Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme, which runs in partnership with the Bermuda College’s Professional and Career Education division (Pace), celebrated the achievements of 11 Bermudians aged 16 to 35.

The programme, which took place from mid-January to the end of February this year, aims to equip students interested in a maritime careers with training, qualifications and contacts.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Bermuda National Museum in Dockyard on December 8, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Labour, said: “I was delighted to congratulate this year’s Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard graduates as they all displayed great commitment and development.

“The Ministry of Labour remains dedicated to supporting Endeavour and we look forward to their expansion and greater impact on our community.”

Mr Hayward presented certificates to each participant and was joined by Dr Melvyn Bassett, Endeavour Board member, and Ralph Richardson, author and former chairman of the Bermuda Water Safety Council who presented candidates with a signed copy of his book, The Bermuda Boater.

The maritime industry offers a diverse range of careers including those involving sailing and power vessels, large watercraft for transporting people or goods by sea, navigation, seafaring, ocean engineering and oceanography.

Dontae Butterfield, 20, a graduate of this year’s programme, said: “I was amazed to learn how many different career pathways exist in the maritime industry. I am thankful for the opportunity to participate as I learnt a lot of new skills and developed connections that have helped me to secure a job working in the maritime industry.”

Sari Smith, 17, who also graduated this year, added: “It was amazing to see the fellowship develop among the participants who started the programme without knowing each other but who built a mutual trust and friendship.

“It really showed me a lot about the meaning of teamwork as we worked together and supported each other along the way in order to achieve our goals.”

Numerous organisations supported the programme including the Bermuda Coastguard, the Department of Marine and Ports, and SailGP.

The programme presents the opportunity for participants to achieve Royal Yachting Association qualifications which are recognised around the world.

The RYA Dinghy Instructor Award has also been offered in previous years but was not implemented this year because of the pandemic.

For more information about the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme, visit www.endeavour.bm and watch the video here.