Apprentice Sammy knows what he wants and is determined to get there!

Following a difficult time at school, partly due to an on-going and rare health condition - eosinophilic esophagitis, Sam made the decision to continue his post GCSE studies at Rockley College, mainly thanks to his Mum. She was a real advocate for him doing something she knew he would love and that would also take him outside the classroom.

Sam joined the course with a love of sport and the outdoors but with absolutely no prior water or land activity experience. He graduated with a Distinction along with his RYA Dinghy, Windsurf and Paddlesport Instructor tickets and a range of land-based qualifications.

If you are wondering how he went from zero to hero in such a short space of time – “My friend Harrison and I did pretty much every single optional training available from the very start of year one. That really was the key.”

So why choose the apprenticeship? “I knew I always wanted to work within this industry and I knew the apprenticeship would give me the extra experience I needed."

For now, Sam has been spending time shadowing sessions with the year one college students as well as leading a few sessions. He has his sights set on being a Practical Instructor (watch out Pete and Neil – he’s coming for your job!) and is optimistic about gaining even more qualifications including his RYA Powerboat Instructor and RYA Senior Instructor.

Sam is also very keen to explore a career in yachting, however he has had to put this on hold due to his medical condition. He’s not giving up though and it’s these qualities – his tenacity, determination, resilience and infective optimism that make him so well liked amongst the Rockley staff and students. “I’m a big believer in fate and that things happen for a reason.”