Back to all news
Careers

Welcoming Our New Deck Rating Apprentices

10 February 2025 By Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.
Back to all news

Welcoming Our New Deck Rating Apprentices

We are pleased to welcome two new Deck Rating Apprentices to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, marking the start of their careers in the maritime industry.

Isle of Man locals Jake Plant and Reuben Miller, have embarked on the first phase of their training at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, one of the UK’s top nautical institutions, where they will learn the necessary skills and duties of a Deck Rating.

As Jake and Reuben embark on their journey, they will go on work alongside experienced crew members, gaining insight into life at sea and the responsibilities of a Deck Rating. From tasks including watch-keeping, maintaining safety and security, and performing practical seafaring duties such as mooring operations and vehicle deck operations, they will be fully immersed in the essential day-to-day workings of Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessels.

Here at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, we believe it is important that we support the next generation of maritime professionals and ensure they have the training and resources needed to thrive in this dynamic industry. It is the first time in recent years we have opened apprenticeships for the specific Deck Rating position, but for a number of years we have successfully run a programme of engineering apprenticeships through the shore-based workshop team.

We’re pleased to expand this vital programme, which is supported by the Isle of Man Maritime, and continue to invest in the future of the maritime workforce and support local talent to ensure the long-term success of our lifeline ferry service. We’d also like to thank RMT Union and Isle of Man Maritime for their assistance in setting up our apprenticeship programmes.

We look forward to seeing Jake and Reuben progress and become valued members of our team, and we hope this will inspire others to consider a career in maritime and take advantage of the incredible opportunities available. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our apprenticeship scheme, stay tuned for future opportunities.

From right to left: RMT representative, James Taylor and Tommy Williams, Apprentice, Reuban Miller, Head of Human Resources, Ethel Docherty, Apprentice Jake Plant, and Isle of Man Maritime General Manager, Lee Clarke Vorster.