The RYA and SailGP launched JUMP, a work-shadowing initiative for women aged 16–25, offering a view of careers in sailing, events and marine operations.
A career in the marine industry can be difficult to imagine without first seeing the people doing the work. The RYA and SailGP have introduced JUMP, a Junior Upskill Mentor Programme for young women aged sixteen to twenty-five.
The initiative is connected to their work around the Portsmouth Grand Prix programme. It is intended to expose participants to professional roles beyond competition aboard a boat.
Work-shadowing shows the wider operation
The programme provides opportunities to observe professionals involved in events, marine activity and sailing. Seeing day-to-day tasks can help participants identify skills they want to develop.
A work-shadowing place is not a job offer or a guarantee of future selection. It is a chance to learn about roles and build useful contacts.
Visibility matters at the entry point
A young person may know the race teams but not the organisers, technicians or communications staff who support them. Meeting people in those occupations can broaden the idea of what a marine career includes.
Structured mentoring also allows participants to ask questions about qualifications and experience. Individual career paths will differ.
Local sailing can be a foundation
A small-boat club gives newcomers familiarity with marine activity before they consider professional work. Volunteering at an event may also provide useful early experience.
For LBG readers, JUMP links grassroots sailing with the wider industry. Opportunity grows when the work behind the spectacle becomes visible.
Source
Royal Yachting Association