For assistant fitter and rigger Jayden Payne, helping build the platform that will deliver the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme for the next generation of Australians is the continuation of his own journey.

Mr Payne sailed on Voyage 18 in 2019 from Newcastle to Sydney, an experience he said changed the course of his life.

Years later, after beginning his trade with Birdon, Mr Payne walked into the shipyard on his first day and discovered he would be working on the construction of STS Young Endeavour II.

“I had no idea the new ship was being built there,” Mr Payne said.

“Walking into the yard and seeing STS Young Endeavour II taking shape was an incredible full-circle moment.

“To have a vessel with so much personal history become my first major project in the industry is a dream come true.”

His voyage remains a defining moment in his life, particularly being elected captain during the ship’s command day.

“Going from zero sailing experience to commanding a tall ship in just over a week was a huge honour,” he said.

“The biggest takeaway I brought from that voyage to the Young Endeavour II build is the importance of a strong, positive team dynamic – making sure everyone stays motivated and has the best day possible on site.”

'Walking into the yard and seeing STS Young Endeavour II taking shape was an incredible full-circle moment.'

Mr Payne credits the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme with helping him discover his leadership potential and a passion for the maritime industry.

“The Young Endeavour experience was deeply humbling and packed with personal growth,” he said.

“It opened doors to opportunities in the maritime industry that I didn’t even know I was looking for yet.”

Now, Mr Payne is helping ensure thousands of future young Australians will have the opportunity to experience similar life-changing voyages.

“It’s a massive privilege,” he said.

“Knowing that the steel we shape and the fittings we install today will carry generations of young Australians through their own life-changing voyages makes every long hour in the yard worth it.”

Working across everything from machining components to installing heavy deck hardware, Mr Payne has enjoyed the variety of the build.

He’s particularly excited for participants to experience the ship’s upgraded galley, additional mizzen mast – which will add a new challenge during command day – and even the new rope swing.

'Knowing that the steel we shape and the fittings we install today will carry generations of young Australians through their own life-changing voyages makes every long hour in the yard worth it.'

While Young Endeavour II introduces modern technology, expanded facilities and greater capacity, Mr Payne believes the heart of the program will remain unchanged.

“It keeps the spirit of the original while giving future participants a world-class youth development experience,” he said.

Mr Payne’s advice for young Australians considering applying is simple.

“One hundred per cent go for it. Throwing yourself into the Young Endeavour program is easily one of the best and most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” he said.

“Don’t stress about what you don’t know yet. Every challenge on that ship is just building you up for opportunities you can’t even imagine right now.”

When Young Endeavour II embarks on its first youth development voyage, Mr Payne expects to feel pride, and perhaps a little envy.

“I’ll definitely be putting my name down for the returnee voyages,” he said.

“I’d love the chance to sail on the very ship I helped build.”