From Atlantis to the World: Young people setting sail with MSC Cruises and Shosholoza Ocean Academy through BPS coaching

What began as a few successful placements has grown into a powerful story of opportunity, resilience, and transformation for young people in Atlantis, through the Basic Package of Support (BPS). Implemented by SALDRU at UCT and CSDA at UJ, with support from the National Pathway Manager and as a priority project of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, BPS continues its flagship operations in Atlantis (Western Cape), Orange Farm (Gauteng) and Cato Manor (KwaZulu-Natal), before moving to scale in the second half of 2026. 

Through its youth-facing component, BPS offers young people who are out of the schooling system and out of employment an opportunity to take up a coaching journey that aims to place them onto pathways to sustainable livelihoods. The programme’s service-strengthening component simultaneously strengthens an ecosystem of care and opportunities for young people, at the community, regional and national levels. Traditionally, more young women than young men have joined the programme, in line with the gender dynamics found in many youth-orientated interventions. In Atlantis, this may slowly be shifting. 

Over the past year, more than 20 young men in the community have secured opportunities with global employer MSC Cruises and Shosholoza Ocean Academy, with many of them already working and travelling across the world. 

As for many other BPS participants, the road to success was not easy. Many of the young people who join the programme face significant barriers to connecting to learning or earning opportunities: in a recent new cohort of BPS participants, almost a third had not completed matric, and most (86%) had no tertiary education. Around 31% were living in poverty, and more than a third (36%) lived in households with no other employed members. Similarly, among the young men who joined the MSC Cruises pathway, some faced financial challenges, self-doubt, connectivity issues, and setbacks such as the need to repeat assessments. Yet these young men continued to show up, were supported by the BPS team, and were encouraged to keep believing in themselves.

One such young man is Adrian Blanckenberg, whose journey reflects the power of resilience, coaching, and opportunity. When Adrian enrolled in the BPS programme in February 2022 at the age of 20, he was out of the schooling system and out of work (NEET), searching for hope, direction, and purpose. He had completed Grade 12 during the Covid-19 period and afterwards struggled to access meaningful opportunities. He spent a significant amount of time at home without employment or further studies. He faced uncertainty about his future, alongside the financial pressures experienced within his household. Despite these challenges, Adrian remained willing to keep trying, and with support and encouragement from the BPS team he slowly rebuilt his confidence and began creating a vision for his life. 

One of the biggest barriers Adrian faced was the lack of finances to afford transport. After enrolling in a Financial Management programme at West Coast College in Malmesbury, the daily commute became increasingly difficult to sustain. Often, he attended only two classes per day but still had to remain in Malmesbury for long periods while waiting for return transport. Limited household finances made private transport impossible, and the combination of long travel times, transport costs, and financial strain ultimately prevented him from completing the programme, despite his strong desire to study and improve his prospects. Adrian’s experience reflects a reality faced by many BPS clients: opportunities may exist, but practical barriers such as financial pressure, lack of guidance, low confidence, and limited emotional support often prevent young people from accessing or sustaining them.

Through BPS coaching, Adrian received ongoing encouragement and practical support. He also gained a sense of accountability. Coaches assisted him with preparing his CV, applying for opportunities, gathering important documentation, preparing for interviews, and navigating recruitment processes. For many young people, managing requirements such as having an ID, bank confirmation letters, tax numbers, police clearance, medical documents, and other certificates can feel overwhelming, especially without support structures or finances. The BPS team plays an important role in helping young people understand requirements, make appointments, access information, remain motivated, and follow through on deadlines and processes.

Through opportunities provided by the programme, Adrian developed valuable leadership and communication skills while working as a Youth Mobiliser, inspiring other young people through his own growth and perseverance. When setbacks interrupted his studies in Financial Management, Adrian continued pursuing opportunities for personal and professional development. He successfully completed the Chrysalis Academy programme before securing an internship in Hospitality and Catering through the International Hotel School. His commitment and dedication eventually opened the door to an opportunity with MSC Cruises and Shosholoza Ocean Academy, where Adrian became the only young man in his group to receive an embarkation proposal after excelling in his training. Today, Adrian is travelling the world while building a meaningful career in hospitality — proving that setbacks do not define a person’s future, and that with resilience, support, and determination, lives can truly be transformed.

Adrian’s story is but one of several now emerging from Atlantis, reflecting the growing opportunities created through BPS partnerships with MSC Cruises and Shosholoza Ocean Academy.

Importantly, MSC and Shosholoza Ocean Academy have recognised the value of BPS coaching in supporting young people entering training and employment opportunities. The organisations have observed the BPS participants’ professionalism, confidence, work readiness, and ability to remain committed throughout the process. Retention in both training and employment has improved among these participants, and MSC has attributed much of this success to the ongoing guidance and support provided by BPS coaches.

As a result, MSC now reaches out to BPS to request additional referrals for its recruitment events, and there is growing recognition of the importance of ensuring that young people entering the MSC pathway are supported by a BPS coach to guide and encourage them throughout their ocean journey. 

“We’ve always valued our working relationship with you, and your candidates consistently stand out as professional, well-prepared, and of a high standard. It is always a pleasure working with you and your team.” — Nicole, Recruitment Agent, MSC Cruises and Shosholoza Ocean Academy 

These achievements are about more than employment. They reflect generational change, renewed confidence, and proof that South African youth can access global opportunities when given the support, mentorship, and pathways to succeed. Their impact extends beyond individuals: each successful placement strengthens families, inspires communities, and demonstrates how preparation, opportunity, and timely support can change life trajectories. They also show how employers can support youth employment by working with a programme like the BPS to improve retention in jobs and reduce lost investment in training.

BPS has expressed deep gratitude to MSC Recruitment and Training, Shosholoza Ocean Academy, and community partners who continue to invest in young talent and open international doors for Atlantis youth.