Context/Background Sail Training Ireland (STIRL) has been running Youth Exchange and other programmes using Sailing Voyages on Tall Ships as a platform for non-formal learning on an annual basis since 2012. We strongly believe that Sail Training offers a unique and extremely effective educational experience. We further believe that we have harnessed this outdoor activity to its fullest educational potential by implementing structured learning programmes, which we have designed in accordance with "Youth Exchange" guidelines. Sail Training as a stand-alone activity offers the opportunity to overcome fears, push boundaries and take on new responsibilities in a challenging environment. By combining it with a structured programme of facilitated, non-formal learning activities, workshops, discussions and talks, with the specific learning aims set out in this project, we are confident that we can implement a project which is of value to the participants, the youth leaders, the partner organisations and the communities involved. Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST) (UK) is very experienced in running youth development projects, using Tall Ship sailing as a medium for challenge based learning. It is intended to run three main activities: The first is a Mobility of Youth Leaders and the second two are Youth Exchange Projects - one focusing on 16-17 year old's and the other on 18-30 year old's. Number and profile of participants: There will be a total of 92 participants and youth leaders on the project. 12 youth leaders will participate in the Youth Leader Mobility. The recruitment process will emphasis diversity and inclusion. There will be an equal no of participants from Ireland and the UK. There will be an equal gender divide and equality of gender roles. Objectives In this project STIRL and MAST will build on previous experience by focusing on: a) The personal and professional development of youth leaders b) The development of transferable skills in participants and their application to future employment opportunities particularly in the maritime sector. And developing an awareness of career opportunities in this sector. c) Inclusion and diversity and an acceptance of different backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion and diversity will be a core ethos in the recruitment of participants . d) Improving and strengthening the collaboration between the partner organisations. e) Promoting participants confidence and willingness to participate actively in society Main activities: Youth Leader Mobility weekend Over three days the youth leaders will have the opportunity to brainstorm, contribute ideas to and practice the implementation of programme activities, which are planned for the Youth Exchanges. They will develop competences necessary to deliver non-formal educational programmes and to work in a ship environment. The resulting competence development will transfer to their daily lives and their career opportunities. Under 18s Youth Exchange Voyage and Over 18s Youth Exchange Voyage The Youth Exchanges will be run consecutively on the same Tall Ship. Each voyage will last 14 days (13 nights) and visit a number of UK and Irish ports. Competences and skills will be acquired that will be transferable to the personal lives and future employability of the participants. The participants will develop hard-skills necessary to sail a tall ship and will have responsibilities such as keeping watch, cleaning and galley duty. The youth leaders will facilitate learning through activities, reviews and journal writing to achieve the stated learning aims. Career opportunities in the maritime sector will be explored. The following are examples of competencies that will be developed. They are transferable to the everyday lives and many are specifically relevant to employability and to potential careers in the maritime industries: Ability to take on responsibility Communicate and work in a team Leadership skills Conflict resolution skills Confidence Initiative Punctuality Good work ethic Motivation Ability to be patient and understand different cultures Seamanship skills Ship operation skills Engineering requirements on a ship Understanding of the shipping industry YouthPass will be used as a mechanism to facilitate self-led learning and record learning achievements. Impact of project The project will impact on the overall personal development, skills, competences and employability of the participants and youth leaders. Inclusion, diversity and accessibility will be highlighted as issues to be aware of in their communities. Participants will be more likely to actively participate in society. The partners will develop their ability to collaborate on projects. The project will contribute to tackling youth unemployment. A range of dissemination activities are planned including meetings, a public event and use of online and social media outlets.