Donate
© 2018 Endeavour Community Sailing, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | LEGAL DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY
Nine young Bermudians who completed Endeavour’s Maritime Career Springboard Programme earlier this year were formally celebrated on World Maritime Day. At a commencement ceremony on Thursday, September 24, families, mentors, partners, and community leaders gathered to recognise their achievements in the Queen’s Exhibition Hall at the National Museum of Bermuda in the Royal Naval Dockyard. The seven-week programme, which ran from January 12 to February 27, is delivered in partnership with The Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education (APACE).
His Excellency the Governor of Bermuda, Mr. Andrew Murdoch, CMG, CVO, spoke at the ceremony. He was joined by The Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, and Dr. Ali Arouzi, Vice President of The Bermuda College. Together they presented each graduate with a certificate of achievement and a copy of The Bermuda Boater, donated by author Ralph Richardson.
Minister Furbert said, “I commend our Springboard graduates for the courage it takes to step into the unknown and stay with it until the unknown becomes their own, and in doing so, they have shown us what our young people are capable of when given real experience and real exposure. Cohorts like this one, shaped by Endeavour’s Maritime Career Springboard Programme, prove that our young people deserve our continued investment and a voice as partners, not just beneficiaries. Now, graduates, you carry the responsibility to share this opportunity with your friends and peers across our island, and I charge you to keep reaching, keep leading and continue to be great.”
For many graduates, the journey began years ago. Five were first introduced to sailing at age 11 through Endeavour’s STEAM Education through Sailing Programme, a five-day experience offered to every student in that age group.
Eighteen-year-old Derek Ingram Jr. first stepped into a boat through Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme in 2017 as a primary student. Over nine years, he built his skills, his confidence and his love of sailing. This year, he made history as the first No Limits participant to progress to the Maritime Career Springboard Programme, completing it alongside his peers and taking his first steps toward a maritime career.
“At Endeavour, we believe every young person should have the opportunity to discover their potential, build confidence and experience the joy of being on the water,” said Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Executive Director. “Through our No Limits Sailing Programme, we are proud to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where students with autism and other neurodivergent learners can learn, explore and thrive, both on and off the water. Derek’s journey shows that when young people are given the right support, there are truly no limits to where they can go and what they can achieve.”
Mrs. Pitcher added, “Each Springboard graduate has shown tremendous dedication, and we are proud of all they have accomplished. Their enthusiasm for exploring career opportunities, building connections and embracing new experiences is truly inspiring. Their success reflects not only their efforts and determination but also the encouragement and support of their coaches, mentors, teachers and families. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of them.”
The nine graduates, aged 16 to 25, came from many different stages of life. They included high school students from CedarBridge Academy, The Berkeley Institute and the Adult Education School, as well as current college students and recent high school and college graduates.
They join a growing community of 92 Springboard alumni since the programme’s inception in 2018, more than 70% of whom are now employed or continuing their education, many in Bermuda’s maritime sector. This year also marked a milestone: for the first time, Endeavour’s entire instructional team is Bermudian and made up of former Springboard graduates. That is exactly what this programme was built to achieve.
Hannah Dill, 2026 Springboard Graduate and a student at The Berkeley Institute, said, “I enjoyed the experience of learning and seeing new things during the programme. My knowledge of maritime career pathways has increased immensely due to not only hearing about it but going first hand and seeing the different industries. I would recommend this programme to other people because I think it would put them on the right path to achieve their goals.”
JaVaughn Ible, 2026 Springboard Graduate and Endeavour Programme Instructor Intern, said, “I really enjoyed learning about so many opportunities and discovering more things to learn about in the maritime industry. I would recommend this programme to others because it expands your skills while increasing your knowledge about maritime job opportunities.”
A key goal of the Maritime Career Springboard Programme is to connect young Bermudians with maritime professionals. Through these connections, participants build a network and learn about the range of careers in the sector and the training and qualifications each one requires. In career workshops, they also worked on their resumes and wrote personal action plans for their job search and career goals.
In the final week of the programme, five participants earned their RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification, one of whom was from the 2025 cohort. Additionally, five participants job-shadowed with Endeavour’s marine partners. All participants reported greater awareness of maritime careers and said they felt better prepared for employment in the industry.
Karen Smith, Programme Coordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said, “These graduates remind us that career pathways become more meaningful when young people have the chance to explore them first-hand. Through our partnership with Endeavour, participants gain practical skills, meet industry professionals and begin to see where their interests can take them. Seeing former Springboard graduates now leading Endeavour’s instructional team is especially encouraging. It shows how investing in young Bermudians can come full circle, with graduates building careers and helping the next generation find their way. We congratulate this year’s cohort and look forward to their next steps.”
As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-accredited training centre, Endeavour offers internationally recognised certifications. These include RYA Sailing Levels 1–3, RYA Powerboat Levels 1–2, Seamanship, Safety Boat, First Aid, Safe & Fun Safeguarding, the VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate and the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification.
“These young Bermudians have worked hard to earn internationally recognised qualifications, real industry connections and a clear sense of what’s possible,” said Olivia Reilly, Endeavour’s Operations Manager. “Their qualifications will travel with them wherever they go. They’re a passport into the maritime industry, and the skills behind them, from leadership to problem-solving, open doors far beyond it. Bermuda’s maritime future is in very good hands, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.”
Endeavour thanks the organisations and professionals who made the 2026 programme a success:
Mrs. Pitcher added, “Endeavour’s work is made possible through the generous support of our donors and partners. We are especially grateful to our lead founding partner, Orbis Investments, as well as key donors including Arch Capital Group Ltd., PwC Bermuda, and the Centennial Bermuda Foundation. Special thanks to Teekay Tankers Ltd. for supporting the 2026 Springboard cohort, and to Nicole Butterworth for donating her time and expertise to facilitate the RYA First Aid Course.”
Could you be part of the next cohort?
Endeavour is now recruiting for the tenth cohort of the Maritime Career Springboard Programme, running Monday, January 11 to Friday, February 26, 2027. No prior sailing experience is needed, only commitment, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Candidates must be Bermudian, aged 16 or older, and able to take part in the full programme.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to by Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
An information session will be held at The Bermuda College on Thursday, October 22 at 5:30pm. RSVP to by Tuesday, October 20.
Back to News Archives
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and stay informed.
