Short answer: If you pass and you're available, you should expect to work. While we can't make a legal guarantee, in practice we almost always schedule 5+ weeks for new graduates in their first Mediterranean season.
What this means for you
Historically, nearly all graduates who are available in June to August receive 5 or more weeks across Yacht Week and (when available) private charters.
Exact weeks depend on booking demand, your availability, paperwork and visa status, and performance.
Our policy is to under-promise and over-deliver. We plan for a minimum of 5 to 6 weeks of work for available graduates, and in most seasons we offer more than that. A number of our skippers previously trained with other programmes and joined Quarterdeck specifically because we deliver more real, paid work than they experienced elsewhere.
How priority is decided
Guest satisfaction and teamwork (good reviews move you up the list)
Availability and flexibility on dates and destinations
Professionalism and documentation in order
Bottom line: Passing Academy opens the door, and in almost every normal season, we get you 5+ weeks as long as you're ready and available.
See also: How much will I earn my first season?