Isle Of Wight College Students Sailing Towards Successful Career In Tourism

Isle of Wight College students of Travel and Tourism got an insight into Wightlink’s operations at the start of a study day in Portsmouth.

Captain Dave Booker welcomed the 15-strong group to the Bridge of St Clare as they sailed from Fishbourne and showed them how the latest electronic charts provide accurate navigation aids in all weathers and tides.

They also learned how Wightlink’s marketing team promotes the Isle of Wight’s attractions to encourage mainlanders to choose the Island for their holidays.

“No two days are the same at sea,” says Captain Dave.

“We enjoy explaining what we do to run an efficient and reliable service that takes our customers to their destinations and gives them the best views of the Solent along the way.”

The young people are on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism which will qualify them for a University course, apprenticeship degree or employment.

The programme includes visits to airports and seaports, the chance to meet industry professionals and employers and the possibility of overseas trips.

“There are so many opportunities in the travel and tourism industry, so we support our students to gain the skills to succeed,” explains tutor Lindsay Davies.

“As a holiday rep for TUI, I worked in several resorts in Europe, North Africa and the Caribbean, then went on to manage teams.

"I now use what I learned in my career here at the College to help our students to build their confidence and achieve their dreams.”

Wightlink offers rewarding careers in many roles from port operators, engineers, retail staff and administrators to Captains and Chief Officers, engineers and ratings on board its fleet of ships and FastCat catamarans.

Seasonal vacancies are advertised in early spring every year.