Become a Ship's Apprentice

General Information:

Sound Experience Ship’s Apprentice Program is designed for youth 15-17 years of age who are interested in volunteering aboard the schooner Adventuress during an overnight voyage. The program goals emphasize maritime and educational skill development, leadership, communication, cooperative living skills, environmental educator job training, and experience working independently as well as with others.

Qualifications

-Desire to sail and learn maritime skills
-Interest in learning more about the Puget Sound environment
-Ability to work with others and serve as a role model
-15-17 years of age
-Past participant on a program aboard Adventuress is recommended but not required
-Have parent permission to participate in program

Responsibilities:

Ship’s Apprentices will work directly with the Captain, First Mate, and Program Coordinator. While working alongside the crew, there are opportunities to develop deck skills, curriculum knowledge, facilitation and communication techniques, and explore specialized crew roles. Ship’s Apprentices must be willing to work in a variety of situations (overnight voyages, day sails, and festival booths).

Placement:

The process of becoming a Ship’s Apprentice involves an application and interview as well as a recommendation from an Adventuress crew member. Following this process, Ship’s Apprentices are scheduled for overnight voyages, day sails and festivals as availability allows. Conditions for removal from programs include misconduct, lack of participation and not meeting program guidelines. Please note based on the number of applicants, we cannot guarantee an apprenticeship spot or your first choice.

Participants must apply annually for the Ship’s Apprentice program.

The Ship’s Apprentice program is kept at a minimal cost and includes training and supervision, as well as food and lodging. The fee is $60 per day. For example, the fee of a four day trip = $240. There are no refunds. There are options to have the cost covered for those experiencing financial hardship. Please e-mail Amy to inquire or learn more amy@soundexp.org.

The application is now open. Please apply for priority consideration by April 10th. Applications will be reviewed, and a final decision will go out by the end of April- except for those who are interested in the Spring public sail dates- we will notify you sooner if chosen.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please email Amy Kovacs at amy@soundexp.org. or call 360-379-0438 x 2