Past participants of a scheme designed to give young people hands-on experience for careers on the water have shared how the course has been pivotal in the development of their personal and professional skills.

Their stories came as others were urged to apply — with a deadline of 5pm tomorrow — for the 2026 cohort of the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme.

Eli Furbert, who completed the course in 2022, said that it benefited him “greatly”.

“From the very beginning, it has opened up a plethora of opportunities, connections and resources that have enabled me to excel in the maritime industry,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“Now, three years later, I’m pursuing a degree in naval architecture at The Landing School [of boatbuilding, in Maine] all thanks to the Springboard programme.”

Mr Furbert has been working with Endeavour and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club as a dinghy instructor for the past three years.

He added: “Bermudians should actively participate in this programme because the ocean offers a whole new world of possibilities in Bermuda.

“While many Bermudians aren’t involved in the maritime community through sailing, boating or other activities, considering Bermuda’s rich history, I believe every Bermudian should have the opportunity to join the growing maritime community.”

Mr Furbert said he was impressed by the “the vast amount of information” that the course imparts within a seven-week time frame.

“The Springboard programme can transform you from someone with no boating experience into someone capable of teaching others how to sail,” he added.

Mr Furbert said: “Moreover, the programme is committed to your success in the industry.

“Endeavour will continue to support and assist you well beyond your graduation.”

Osiris Buffonge-Hunt, a 2024 graduate of the programme, said it was a “major component in my journey to find the career that best suits me”.

He said: “The Springboard programme has taught me all the necessary components to become a great mariner.

“It built my confidence in public speaking, which has made it way easier to get accepted to jobs and schools.

“I am in the United Kingdom studying marine engineering at Falmouth Marine School while utilising all the skills I learnt during the programme.”

Mr Buffonge-Hunt urged young Bermudians to get involved in the scheme “as it teaches you life skills in both practical and theoretical aspects”.

He said: “The Springboard programme introduces you to various careers in the marine industry to give you as many opportunities as possible to find a pathway that best suits you, while giving you an opportunity to earn qualifications to jump-start your career.”

As a “springboarder”, he was impressed by the efficiency and engaging manner in which the programme was delivered.

“I really enjoyed the career visits, going to all the different organisations and meeting with the people that started these great companies while learning about the different pathways,” he added.

Jibril Taylor, a 2024 Springboard graduate and Endeavour programme instructor, said he gained “substantial” knowledge from the programme.

He also highlighted the numerous job opportunities that the programme presents, adding that it “made the biggest change in my life”.

Mr Taylor urged young Bermudians to get involved in the course as it teaches multiple life skills.

He said: “Living in Bermuda, we are surrounded by the water. Learning to navigate it is an important skill that not only builds confidence but also independence and respect for our environment.

“The programme also gives you a chance to network and meet new people, work as a team and take on leadership roles, helping to build strong communication skills and meaningful connections that can benefit you in the future.”

Mr Taylor also noted the efficiency with which the programme is delivered as well as its “structured freedom”.

Adrian McPhee, a 2023 graduate of the programme, said it prepared him for “a good kick-start in the maritime world”.

He said: “It helped give me a good base of knowledge to build off of in order to excel in the maritime industry.”

Mr McPhee, who is a captain at Captain Kirk’s Coral Reef Adventures, said the programme provides young people with the tools to unlock opportunities in Bermuda’s maritime industry.

He said he felt inspired by the passion of the instructors, adding that it made information easier for him to retain.

T’ori Flood-Martin, who graduated from the programme this year, said it helped him to hone his maritime skills through commitment and dedication.

“I believe the Springboard programme is a great opportunity for young Bermudians, especially those interested in joining the marine industry,” he said.

Mr Flood-Martin added: “The programme can help you identify your career path, secure job opportunities and scholarships, and is an overall opportunity to better yourself.”

• Anyone interested in participating in the programme is encouraged to apply before 5pm on November 1 by submitting their résumé and letter of interest to education@endeavour.bm