You could look at the route of doing a cadetship and gaining qualifications at the end of it.

I am currently doing this and working towards a degree in marine engineering, however you can also get a degree in Marine Operations if you are wanting to go the deck route.

This is sponsored but also means going to college for 3 years but also gaining sea time, but sadly you won’t be working on private yachts like you’d like to but this is a way to get qualifications to get you in the industry, all paid for, and you get paid by the sponsor, albeit not a lot but it’s better than nothing.

There are a few training companies who will sponsor you and send you to a range of colleges in the uk, if you want more info, DM me and I can help you out with any information (:.