ITA Training Academy & Recruitment

What ITA Training Academy & Recruitment does

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment is a vocational training provider founded approximately in 2018 and operating from Antibes, France, in the heart of the Côte d'Azur superyacht hub. The company specialises in interior crew training for the superyacht industry, serving both new entrants to yachting and experienced interior crew seeking IAMI GUEST certifications on the pathway to senior roles such as Chief Stewardess. Its core offering is a portfolio of accredited courses covering introduction to interior, advanced housekeeping, food and beverage service, mixology, barista, floristry, cigar service, and high-end luxury service topics, alongside management and leadership modules that prepare students for the IAMI GUEST Certificate of Competency. Course pricing is publicly disclosed, ranging from EUR 250 for a single-day Cigar Service module to EUR 2,000 for the 5-Day Chief Stewardess Management Package, with WSET wine qualifications priced in GBP.

The business model is straightforward transactional course fees, delivered through three channels: scheduled public courses at the Antibes training centre, bespoke onboard training delivered worldwide at short notice, and an asynchronous online training portal at onlinetraining.ita-courses.com. Revenue is generated entirely from these course fees — no subscriptions, licensing, or placement fees are disclosed. The company operates with approximately 6 employees and a core team of named trainers (Mirela Aenski as Company General Manager and trainer; Alyona Nedeva for GUEST Basic and Advanced; James Dicks for Bar & Mixology; Tristan Lomuscio for Barista) collectively holding over 40 years of superyacht industry experience, supplemented by expert partners including Fine Wine Works (WSET delivery), Voyage International Beauty Institute (VIBI) for spa training, and an MCA-approved doctor for ENG 1 medical certification.

ITA holds IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Provider status, is an Approved Highfield Qualifications Centre for food and hygiene training, and is affiliated with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), ACREW, and Yachting Pages. The company is privately held with no disclosed external funding, and its Antibes training centre is currently relocating, with the new address yet to be confirmed. Direct customer contact is via email, phone, and WhatsApp, and demand is driven primarily by word-of-mouth, industry accreditation, and crew community referrals rather than enterprise sales.

Name

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment

Legal name

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment

Website

https://ita-courses.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment is a privately held vocational training provider in Antibes, France, delivering IAMI GUEST-accredited interior crew courses, WSET wine qualifications, spa training, and bespoke onboard training for the global superyacht industry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Superyacht Interior Crew Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitality & Food Service (EDABALAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE)

Keywords

• Superyacht crew training
• Interior training courses
• Vocational maritime training
• GUEST certification courses
• Yacht hospitality training

Headquarters

HQ city

Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Vocational Training Courses: ITA generates revenue entirely from course fees charged to individuals and yacht crews for interior yacht training. Courses range from single-day modules (EUR 250-420) to multi-day package programmes (EUR 950-2000). WSET wine courses are priced in GBP (GBP 260-955). No other revenue streams are disclosed.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment is a vocational training provider for superyacht interior crew, delivering GUEST/IAMI-accredited courses covering interior service, housekeeping, food and beverage, mixology, barista, floristry, cigar service, leadership, and interior administration. Courses are sold individually (EUR 250–1,100) or as bundled 5-day "Grande Diplome" packages (EUR 1,580–2,000), delivered at the Antibes training centre, onboard yachts worldwide, or through an online portal. Additional offerings include WSET wine courses (via Fine Wine Works), spa/masseuse courses (via VIBI), STCW maritime safety training, and ENG 1 medical certification referrals.

Product overview

ITA Training Academy & Recruitment is a training provider specializing in professional crew training for the superyacht interior industry. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of courses ranging from introductory programs for new crew to advanced management-level training for Chief Stewardess positions. The core offerings include GUEST program courses (Basic, Advanced, and Management levels), IAMI GUEST Certificate of Competency preparation, WSET wine qualifications (via Fine Wine Works partnership), spa & wellness training (via Voyage International Beauty Institute partnership), barista and mixology courses, and maritime STCW safety certifications. Courses are available in-person at their Antibes training center or delivered onboard yachts worldwide. The company also offers bundled course packages leading to Grande Diplomas in Advanced, Service, Leadership, and Management specializations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 4-Day GUEST Introduction to Interior Course Four-day intensive introductory course covering back of service, front of house, laundry, and crew etiquette, designed to prepare new interior superyacht crew to perform to a high standard for owners and guests.
• 2-Day GUEST Advanced Housekeeping, Valet & Laundry (Units 07, 08 and 09) Advanced training combining laundry service, housekeeping, and valet services for crew advancing to senior interior positions on superyachts.
• 1-Day GUEST Floristry & Plant Maintenance (Unit 10) Training in floral design principles, storage and handling of fresh flowers and plants, and creating floral displays for yacht interiors.
• 2-Day GUEST Advanced Food & Beverage Services (Unit 05) Advanced food and beverage service training covering Butler, Silver, and Plated service styles, French culinary terminology, luxury menu items, and event F&B services.
• 1-Day GUEST Basic Mixology Course Foundational mixology training covering core spirits, cocktail-making techniques, recipe interpretation, balanced drink creation, and practical cocktail preparation.
• 1-Day GUEST Advanced Bartending & Mixology Module Advanced mixology training covering core spirits, cocktail variations, classic cocktails, and creating new combinations suited to yacht service environments.
• 1-Day GUEST Barista and Hot Beverages (Unit 11) Comprehensive barista training covering coffee and tea service techniques, froth and latte art, and espresso machine operation and maintenance.
• 1-Day IAMI GUEST Advanced Cigar Service (Unit 06) Training in cigar history, production, brands, storage, handling, cutting, lighting, and proficient cigar service with drink pairings.
• 1-Day ITA Caviar, Cognac, Cigars & Champagne Course Luxury service course focusing on pairing and serving caviar, cognac, cigars, and champagne, with extensive tastings and food pairing experiences, awarded with ITA Training Certificates and Course Manuals.
• 5-Day Chief Stewardess Advanced Course Package Bundled package combining 2-day Advanced Food & Beverage Services (Unit 05), 2-day Advanced Housekeeping/Laundry/Valet (Units 7, 8, 9), and 1-day Interior Administration (Unit 34), awarding GUEST Certificates plus the ITA Chief Stewardess Advanced Grande Diplome.
• 5-Day Chief Stewardess Service Course Package Service-focused bundle combining 2-day Advanced Food & Beverage Services, 1-day Advanced Mixology, half-day Cigar, and 1-day Floristry, awarding GUEST Certificates plus the ITA Chief Stewardess Service Grande Diplome.
• 5-Days Chief Stewardess Leadership Course Package Leadership bundle combining 2-day Foundation Leadership (Unit 17), 2-day Advanced Housekeeping/Laundry/Valet, and 1-day Floristry, awarding GUEST Certificates plus the ITA Chief Stewardess Leadership Grande Diplome.
• 5 Days Chief Stewardess Management Course Package Management bundle combining 2-day Destination/Event/Interior Management (Unit 36), 2-day Foundation Leadership (Unit 17), and 1-day HR & Crew Wellbeing (Unit 30), awarding 3 GUEST Certificates plus the ITA Chief Stewardess Management Grande Diplome and eligibility for the Chief Stew Certificate of Competency.
• 1-Day IAMI GUEST Yacht Interior Administrations (Unit 34) Foundation administration training covering the transition from junior to senior roles, health and safety, SOPs, guest preference sheets, and professional development for interior crew.
• 2-Day IAMI GUEST Foundation Leadership (Unit 17) Leadership training for stews in mid-level or head of department roles, covering leadership styles, communication, motivation, and conflict management.
• 2-Day IAMI GUEST Destination, Event & Interior Management (Unit 36) Management training covering event production, food and beverage event services, destination planning, and interior department management for the Chief Stewardess Certificate of Competency.
• 1-Day IAMI GUEST Human Resources & Crew Wellbeing (Unit 30) HR training covering crew contracts, recruitment, performance management, training development, and crew wellbeing for the Chief Stewardess Certificate of Competency.
• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines (Foundation) Entry-level internationally recognised wine qualification covering grape growing, winemaking, main grape varieties, storage, service, and food and wine pairing, delivered in partnership with Fine Wine Works.
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (Intermediate) Intermediate internationally recognised wine qualification with broad coverage of world wines, geography, tasting technique, and quality international wines, delivered in partnership with Fine Wine Works.
• Spa & Masseuse Courses Dual-role stew masseuse training for the yacht and spa industry, including the Dual-Role Stew Masseuse Course that equips individuals to work as both stewardess/steward and professional masseuse, delivered in partnership with Voyage International Beauty Institute (VIBI).
• STCW Courses 5-day MCA-approved maritime safety course covering personal safety, social responsibilities, fire prevention and firefighting, survival techniques, first aid, and security awareness, with certification recognised under RYA and Marshall Island Registry frameworks.
• Online Training Remote and asynchronous training options delivered through the onlinetraining.ita-courses.com portal for flexible learning.
• Onboard Training Services Bespoke training programmes where ITA's trainers travel worldwide at short notice to deliver customised training directly on yachts, eliminating the need for crew to leave the vessel for training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates secure employment in the superyacht industry promptly after completing training, as evidenced by testimonials.

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IAMI (International Association of Maritime Institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAMI governs the GUEST Programme and issues the GUEST Certificate of Competency (CoC). ITA is an IAMI-authorised GUEST Accredited Training Provider, delivering Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Management GUEST programmes that lead to IAMI GUEST certifications and the CoC.
• PYA (Professional Yachting Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPYA is a non-profit association founded in 1991 representing professional yacht crew worldwide with members from over 90 countries. ITA is affiliated with PYA and can provide PYA GUEST Certificates for onboard training at all levels from Introductory to Advanced, HR or Purser courses.
• Fine Wine WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFine Wine Works is an Approved Programme Provider for WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), operating since 1969. They deliver WSET wine courses (L1 and L2) in partnership with ITA at the Antibes training centre and onboard yachts, from La Spezia (Italy) to Marseille (France), including Cannes, Golfe Juan, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco. Fine Wine Works reports pass rates significantly exceeding WSET Global Average and is in its 13th year of operation.
• Voyage International Beauty Institute (VIBI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoyage International Beauty Institute (VIBI) partners with ITA to deliver Spa & Masseuse Courses for the Yacht and Spa Industry. VIBI introduces students to the wellness world, enabling them to provide world-class wellness experiences aboard superyachts. The Dual-Role Stew Masseuse Course equips individuals to work as both stewardess/steward and professional masseuse.
• Cafe MariusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCafe Marius is a partner for the Barista modules and courses. Tristan Lomuscio, owner of Cafe Marius in Antibes old town since 2018, serves as barista trainer for ITA, bringing expertise in gastronomy, travel, bartending, mixology, wine, and specialty coffee.
• Highfield QualificationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerITA became an Approved Highfield Qualifications Centre for delivering Food & Hygiene training. Highfield Qualifications is a global leader in compliance and work-based learning qualifications, regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, SQA Accreditation, CCEA, and SIA, and is a government-regulated end-point assessment organisation (EPAO).
• Chez AntibesminorOthersChez Antibes provides accommodation near the ITA training centre, located just 5 minutes walk away. Contact: Karen (WhatsApp +44 7811 942054). Represents a practical support service for out-of-town students.
• Yachting PagesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerITA has partnered with Yachting Pages, a directory and resource platform for the yachting industry, to increase visibility and generate referrals within the superyacht community.
• ACREWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACREW (Association of Crew Recruitment and Employment Websites) is an industry body. ITA is a member, indicating participation in crew recruitment and employment standards initiatives.
• Dr B LavagneminorOthersDr B Lavagne is an MCA-approved doctor providing ENG 1 medical certification, referenced under ITA Services. Located at 'Le Vendome' C, 4 Chemin du Tanit, Juan Les Pins, Antibes 06160. Contact: +33 6 61 15 03 07.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bluewater Crew Training: UK-based superyacht training school offering GUEST and STCW courses for interior and deck crew. Directly comparable as an accredited yacht crew training provider serving a similar individual and corporate customer base.
• Pangaea Maritime Training: Mediterranean-focused maritime training provider offering STCW and yacht-specific courses. Directly comparable as a regional competitor for shore-based and onboard yacht crew training.
• OceanCollege: European maritime training school offering STCW and yacht crew courses in multiple locations. Comparable as a multi-site accredited training provider for superyacht interior and deck crew.
• Maritime Training Services (MTS): Pan-European maritime training provider offering STCW and yacht-related courses. Comparable as an accredited competitor with similar course catalogue and individual/corporate customer base.
• Crew Training International: International yacht crew training provider offering GUEST and STCW courses. Comparable as a similar full-service yacht crew training school with a multi-course catalogue.

Regional players

• Riviera Training: Côte d'Azur-based maritime training provider for STCW and yacht-specific courses. Directly comparable as a localized training school targeting the same Antibes/Cannes/Nice superyacht crew market.
• Seascope France: French Riviera-based maritime recruitment and training operator near Antibes. Comparable as a regional competitor offering crew training and crewing services in the same French Riviera market.

Others

• Fine Wine Works: ITA's WSET partner delivering wine courses onboard and at training centres. Comparable as a course partner and minor indirect competitor in the wine education niche.

Emerging players

• The Crew Academy: Online and blended yacht crew training platform offering interior and deck courses. Comparable as an alternative delivery channel for GUEST-style training, particularly online.

Broad incumbents

• INSEEC Yacht & Luxury: Larger French luxury-hospitality and yacht education group offering degree-level programmes. Comparable as a broader, formal-provider alternative in the same French Riviera market for yacht interior and hospitality training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ita_courses
• Facebookfacebook.com/itatrainingacademy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abacus-&-march
• Instagraminstagram.com/itatrainingrecruitment

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ITA Training Academy & Recruitment