Tom Higgins, age 22, from Pimlico has just completed phase one of the revered Yachting Cadetship by leading maritime training provider and youth charity, UKSA - and his new role as a professional deckhand cruising American waters for the next six months is phase two of his training for a lucrative and exciting career on superyachts.

This structured three-year apprenticeship includes a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science delivered in conjunction with Falmouth Marine School and validated by the University of Plymouth.

Tom began his training last October after being selected for a coveted bursary that covers the first phase of learning at UKSA’s Isle of Wight campus and amounts to a minimum of £17,000 worth of assistance and funding. Plus, students can typically earn €2000 a month tax free (not including tips) as entry level deckhands, while once onboard a vessel almost all their living costs are covered by the yacht too.

A delighted Tom says: “The whole cadetship package has been excellent and I have already met new friends that I will keep for life. I have gained so many new experiences from my brief time here already. My future looks exciting and has proper focus and direction – and for the first time in ages I’m actually looking forward to the coming months and years.

“The facilities at UKSA are top draw and nothing is too much trouble for the staff or lecturers, who all speak from experience and willingly pass on their knowledge and expertise whilst out on the water. Learning from the best in the business gives you confidence and this has stood me in good stead for working on such a high profile mega yacht."

The UKSA cadetship is a viable option for those considering vocational training over the traditional university career path. It allows students to ‘earn whilst they learn’ and they can easily graduate debt-free because of what amounts to some two years of paid work placements.

Visit the UKSA website at http://uksa.org/professional-training/deck/superyacht-cadetship/ for more details on the course itself, potential funding available and an application pack. There is one Cadetship intake each year in October and a selection process at various points throughout the year.

With the Foundation Degree recently being granted full-time status it can now be applied for through UCAS, plus successful 2014 cadets will be able to drawn down on student loans to assist them - as well as taking advantage of all the other associated benefits that full-time students enjoy.