My Life: Josh O'Donaghue, 19, Isle of Wight

Windsurfing had been a bit of a hobby for me in the past, so this summer I am doing water sports instructor training with maritime youth charity UKSA and then planning to teach in Greece or Turkey.

I am from Jersey originally and on leaving school at 16 was in and out of dead-end work, trying to find out what I wanted to do, but enduring unemployment for long periods of time and suffering from depression.

Consequently, I swapped islands last year to live with my aunt, who had heard great things about UKSA's Change Direction transition programme, which removes barriers to employment and helps participants prepare for the workplace through maritime and water sports activities.

It gave me confidence and belief in myself again, plus a real sense of purpose. UKSA is great for helping people in trouble and not sure what to do next. I was always up for going out and finding a job, but even if you have that motivation, you can only take so many setbacks.

Also, I just didn't realise how big the marine industry is, or that I could be working in it. The ways to get in it were just not advertised at school and other places you'd look for career guidance.

Following on from Change Direction, I have just finished the Level 2 Leadership in Outdoor Industries BTEC course and it has been the making of me.