Yes, many students stay on and work, but it’s performance- and demand-dependent, not automatic.
Provisional assignments before Academy. Ahead of your course, we create a draft summer plan for you based on seasonal demand. This gives you a realistic picture of how many weeks and when you’re likely to work.
We match your availability. We use the seasonal availability you enter in our admin system to try to accommodate your preferred dates/locations. Flexibility (dates/destinations) increases your chances of steady work.
Timing matters. If your Academy runs close to season start, you can stay in the area and roll straight into work if placed. Check the Yacht Week website for event start dates at your Academy location so you know how soon work could begin.
No separate job application. Being accepted to Academy signals your intent to work; you don’t have to "apply" again. If you pass, you’ll receive offers aligned to the draft plan and live demand.
Performance drives actual weeks. If you perform well and respond to feedback, you’ll keep the planned assignments (and often get additional weeks). If you underperform and don’t improve, your weeks may be reduced. This is a service industry — guest demand and satisfaction ultimately shape scheduling.
Bottom line. Roughly ~90% of graduates will work, but nothing is guaranteed. Your readiness, flexibility, and Academy performance are the biggest levers.