How Seahub’s Engineering Grant Grew Engineer Jackson Pinney’s Career

Following the launch of the second round of Seahub’s Engineering Grant for 2023, we spoke to 2021 winner Jackson Pinney about the impact that the grant has had on his career. Jackson was awarded $3000 towards engineering training courses at a school of his choice. Here Jackson shares with us how he utilised the funds and the ongoing support that he has had from Seahub founders Sam Wheaton and Matthew Hyde.

Jackson Pinney winner of Seahub's Engineering Grant 2021 — *Engineer Jackson Pinney*

How did you first hear about Seahub’s grant program?

“Seahub [changes] the way the boat runs, make our lives easier and makes sure that we don’t miss anything”

Jackson: I first heard about the program from my previous Captain. I was a green engineer and had started my first solo engineering position and was trying to create my own maintenance schedules and procedures, and define how I wanted to organise my own department. My captain, Zach, used Seahub as his Engineering Software on his previous boat when he did all of his own engineering work and vouched for it saying that it would change the way the boat runs, make our lives easier and make sure that we don’t miss anything!

One day he saw a post on Seahub’s Facebook group for the Seahub Grant and said: “This is perfect for you! These are guys you want on your side!” – He was not wrong!

What attracted you to the grant?

Jackson: I was attracted to the grant because of the support that these guys were able to offer. I have never heard of anyone else offering scholarships for the yachting industry. Sam and Matt are incredibly genuine guys who really do care about mentoring, supporting and facilitating the next generation of guys who follow their footsteps into the engine room. This scholarship is a just a little taste of who these guys are and how they want to help others.

What did you use the grant for, and how was the overall experience?

Jackson: I used my scholarship to try to supplement my electrical knowledge. I felt that this was an area that I had a lot of room to grow in so I took the ABYC Marine Electrical Certification course and really helped fill in the gaps. I still have a little bit left in my scholarship and intend to use it towards my USCG DDE courses which will help progress me to the next level.

“The grant has grown my career in a lot of ways. Not only has it helped me get more certifications and tickets, but it has also allowed me to make very valuable connections with other engineers and captains”

How has the grant impacted your career?

Jackson: The grant has grown my career in a lot of ways. Not only has it helped me get more certifications and tickets, but it has also allowed me to make very valuable connections with other engineers and captains. The networking and resources from it is one of the most valuable aspects of it to me

Have you had continued support and contact with Sam and Matt?

Jackson: Yes, these guys are always a quick phone call away and they are always willing to lend a hand! One of the most important parts of being a new engineer (or any engineer for that matter) is having a rolodex of good contacts who can offer advice and recommendations when you hit a problem. If there is a problem that I hit a roadblock on and can’t get the answers to, I give Sam or Matt a call and my network has instantly tripled and they know exactly who to call to help me get the answers I need.

What advice would you give to others in the industry that are considering applying for the grant?

Jackson: My advice to someone who is considering applying for the grant is to just be honest about your experience and what it is that you want to learn or get from this experience. Seahub is a great company and whether you get the grant or not they are a great group to know and work with and it’s well worth forming a relationship with these guys going through your engineering career.

Do you have any current career goals?

Jackson: My current career goal is to learn as much as I can from all of the projects and opportunities I encounter. Everyday I am surrounded by new projects and contractors that are able to teach me their craft as long as I lend an ear. I want to set my self up to be in a position in the future that I can share that information and knowledge to someone else who is starting out and pass it on.

This Year’s Grant

This year’s recipient of the grant will also receive a $3,000 contribution towards training, as well as access to Seahub’s database of manuals and technical data sheets, and of course ongoing mentorship from Wheaton and Hyde.

So far, this year’s applications have been wide-ranging, from the US, UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Holland. There have been a mix of nominations including an owner nominating an engineer he has recently employed, as well as crew members nominating engineers t

“This scholarship is just a little taste of who these guys are and how they want to help others.”

hey have worked with in the past. The plans for the financial support for training have been focused on IT/AV courses and MTU courses.

Wheaton stated that: “This year’s candidate will ideally be towards the start of their career and have plans to be involved in the yachting industry long term”.

Seahub’s unique engineering grant is an exciting and invaluable opportunity for promising yacht engineers to excel in their careers, for more information on how to apply, or to nominate a fellow crew member, visit the Seahub website or email: info@seahub.com.au

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Lucy Wright

Lucy is an ex-crew member and was Head Of Copy at SYC. Lucy worked in and around yachting for over many years and has extensive knowledge of the current movements and changes in the Superyacht industry. She is interested in the future of the industry and covering topics that relate most authentically to crew.

Posted on 27 February 2023 in Career & Training, Superyacht News, The Crew Mess

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How Seahub’s Engineering Grant Grew Engineer Jackson Pinney’s Career