Apprentice Passenger Boat Crew and Maintenance Operative

Job Posted: 2 April 2025

• Contract Term: Apprenticeships
• Location: Yarmouth, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: £7.55 per hour
• Industries: Apprenticeships Customer Service Marine

Here at The Isle of Wight College we work with a number of employers, in a vast array of industries. A fantastic opportunity has arisen to work for Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd as an Apprentice Passenger Boat Crew and Maintenance Operative.

Offering Needles Rocks and Lighthouse Boat Trips, this is a unique opportunity to join the team at Needles Pleasure Cruises Ltd whilst working towards a Customer Service Apprenticeship.

Further information of the business, the boats, and the services we offer can be found on our website www.needlespleasurecruises.co.uk.

Apprentice Role:

The position will be full time and multi role through the year. The summer season (1^st April through until 31^st October) will predominately be working with the public onboard our passenger boats as crew, or on the beach in Alum Bay advising and assisting customers.

For the winter season you’ll change roles working as a maintenance operative, helping to maintain all the boats & preparing them for the coming season.

The position would suit someone who has a keen interest in working afloat on boats, is comfortable working with the public, and can turn a hand to maintenance routines for the winter period.

Tasks and Responsibilities to include:

·         Being face to face with customers advising on the products we offer on the beach at Alum Bay then assisting & directing them onto the boats.

·         Assisting with the mooring of boats within Alum Bay.

·         Operating as crew on the larger passenger boats and having a good understanding of all emergency procedures, risk assessments and the day-to-day operations of each individual boat, to include commentary and or helming of the boats.

·         All four boats are governed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, so an understanding and compliance to the domestic safety management code will be expected.

·         Understudying the operation of the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and its associated operations procedures.

·         Being responsible for taking cash and card payments for both types of trips.

·         Assisting with maintenance of the boats in season and out of season whether it be mechanical, electrical, painting, polishing/cleaning or just general boat maintenance both afloat in the harbour and ashore at our workshop facility close to Yarmouth.

·         Cleaning of all boats all year round.

·         Being part of a team of up to 8 people at the height of a busy summer season.

Person Specification:   

·         Keen to work afloat on boats.

·         Good communication skills.

·         Practical Hand Skills.

·         Have a good level of health to work in an outdoors environment.

·         Comfortable working within a team and equally on your own initiative.

·         Progression through the role will require applicants to successfully pass either an ENG 1 or ML5 seafarers medical.

·         Work location will be at Yarmouth, so to have access to transport to start and finish the day here. 

Qualifications Required:

GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent qualification and/or ability to work towards these Functional Skills).

Apprenticeship:

• Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard.
• Functional Skills in Maths and English if required
• There is a requirement to complete 20% off the job training, this includes time spent either learning something new, attendance at regular workshops, other courses or any support work that is not in your usual role.
• Apprenticeship duration will be around 12- 18 months where the final 3 months will involve gateway for the end point assessment.
• Attendance at college as part of the course.

Working Week:

·         In the summer season any of the 7 days a week, but limited to 5 days per week.

·         For the out of season (1^st Nov through until 31^st March) Monday to Friday.

·         Averaging 30-40 hours per week, depending on the time of the season.

Wage:

£7.55 per hour.

Additional bonuses relating to individual performance and team performance.

Additional information below

The current National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate for apprentices is £7.55 per hour. This applies to 16-18-year-old apprentices and those aged over 19 in the first year of their Apprenticeship. The Minimum Wage for Apprentices applies to time spent on the job plus time spent training. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Once qualified and upon successful apprenticeship completion, there may be an opportunity to progress to a permanent role within the business, dependent on suitability and opportunity at that time.

If this sounds like the next, or indeed first step you want to take with your career, then please apply with your CV and a Covering Letter telling us why you would be the ideal candidate for this brilliant opportunity! Further information of the business, the boats, and the services we offer can be found on our website www.needlespleasurecruises.co.uk.