South Africa’s Superyacht Training Academy (SYTA) has been acquired by the NetEd Group, in a move designed to strengthen the continent’s position as a key global contributor of skilled superyacht professionals.
The acquisition is also aimed at expanding access to accredited maritime education and sustainable career pathways in the international luxury yachting sector.
SYTA, based in Cape Town, is a specialist maritime institute offering internationally accredited complete training professional yacht crew.
Vocational and trade-based skills
The organisation offers programmes for superyacht deckhands, stewards and chefs which equip attendees with the primary qualifications needed for a career in the superyacht industry.
Private education group NetEd brings together four private higher education institutions, more than 50 qualifications, and 23,000 students across South Africa.
This latest investment aligns with a growing need for vocational and trade-based skills within the South African economy.
While boat-building accounts for a significant proportion of South Africa’s marine industry, the organisations say talent in the form of superyacht crew is equally critical.
International roles
And they point out that South Africa is one of the world’s leading sources of talent, with thousands of crew members appointed annually and approximately 90% of locally trained students achieving placement in well-paid international roles on board.
“By its nature, providing top-level hospitality on superyachts is hard work with commensurate pay,” explained Stuart Loxton, SEO of SYTA.
“Most junior crew stay in the industry for three years so there is massive demand for new crew every season.
“The choice to work both seasons – in different hemispheres – is the individual’s. We highly recommend doing this to secure tenure. Ultimately, graduates return to South Africa with experience, skills, confidence, and savings.”
