Trinity House Bursaries

Under the bursary scheme, ASTO members (including OYTNW) put forward suitable applicants who are working in sail training, and who wish to gain both RYA and MCA qualifications. A joint ASTO/Trinity House awards panel then interviews the candidates and, if they are suitable, the cost of their training and examinations is met by the Trinity House bursary funds.   Further information available from OYTNW sea staff, the OYTNW office, or directly from ASTO http://www.asto.org.uk/trinityhouse.htm.  OYTNW volunteers who have been awarded such a bursary include Sue Barke and Tzara Bierowic.

ASTO Skippership Scheme

The Skippership Scheme is a structured programme that draws together all the skills required to work as a seagoing Sail Trainer in the sail training industry.  Professional training is delivered by some of the UK's leading sailing technicians, with maritime colleges delivering the MCA recognised safety courses. The softer people-skills required on Sail Training vessels are delivered through a bespoke youth skills course designed specifically for this Scheme.   James Boyce, OYTNW First Mate, is a graduate of this scheme, and OYTNW volunteer watchleader, Emma Buckels, is currently on the scheme.

The Scheme runs from February to November and is structured in three phases.

• Phase one is an intensive training period focused on producing the Commercial RYA Coastal Skipper award.
• Phase two is made up of work placements on sail training vessels from the ASTO membership.
• Phase three develops skippering and leadership skills culminating in the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore practical exam.

Although the scheme is funded by ASTO and the Corporation of Trinity House, candidates are required to provide part of the funding themselves and underwrite their own travel costs during phase two.

Potential trainees should have practical skills equivalent to RYA Day Skipper and theoretical knowledge in line with the RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course. Interviews are usually held in December each year.

Application forms are available here: http://www.asto.org.uk/skippership.htm

Glaciere training opportunities

One benefit of our partnership with Glaciere (www.glaciere.co.uk) is the opportunity for OYTNW volunteers to take RYA shorebased/theory courses to Yachtmaster level at a discounted rate.  These include short courses such as VHF/DSC, Radar, Powerboat Level 2, as well as longer courses including day skipper & coastal skipper/YM shorebased. Further details here: http://tinyurl.com/5t6o73

Glaciere also offers PADI dive training, from Try a Dive through to Divemaster, and additional speciality courses.

Contact Dave at glaciere1866@aol.com for further information.

Other training opportunities

Certificate in interpersonal skills for volunteers

- A FREE course (for those who do not already have a degree) studied part-time via distance learning, leading to a certificate from University of Wales at Lampeter.
- Before 31st July, free to all, even if you already do have a degree.
- On completion, you can choose to continue your studies and work towards a BA degree in Voluntary Sector studies.
- Starts the first Monday of each month, and lasts approximately 25 weeks.
- Not just for volunteers but for anybody involved, or interested in becoming involved in the voluntary or not-for-profit sectors

Further details and application forms available here: http://www.volstudy.ac.uk/