At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience operating vessels on the iconic River Thames.
- Company: Join a leading company in the maritime industry with a focus on safety and training.
- Benefits: Earn £20,570.16 per annum while learning valuable maritime skills.
- Other info: Full-time, 24-month apprenticeship starting on 7th September 2026.
- Why this job: Kickstart your maritime career with a unique apprenticeship on the River Thames.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths required; a willingness to learn is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20570 - 20570 £ per year.
We are looking for 2 Maritime Trainee Apprentices to join our team and gain hands‑on experience operating vessels on the iconic River Thames. This 24‑month full‑time fixed‑term apprenticeship offers the opportunity to learn from experienced crew and develop maritime skills for a long‑term career on the water.
Start date: 7th September 2026.
Salary: £20,570.16 per annum.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Complete all required training to fulfil the apprenticeship requirements.
- Take responsibility for own learning.
- Learn best practice when operating our vessels and apply this learning to gain the BML qualification.
- Comply with Company SMS regulations and assist the Captain in ensuring these regulations are followed by all onboard.
- Support the Captain in onboard safety training for all crew members, including conducting a crew safety briefing every morning before commencing service to the public.
- Ensure vessels meet Company safety standards so passengers remain safe and enjoy their experience on the River Thames.
- Learn to navigate vessels on the River Thames safely in accordance with the Company passage plan, PLA bylaws and as directed by the Captain.
- Support safe mooring of the vessels at all times in accordance with the Company SMS.
- Provide a vessel safety announcement after leaving each pier to comply with Company SMS.
- Account for and safely embark and disembark passengers from one of our recognised locations along the River Thames.
- Carry out daily vessel log checks in conjunction with the SMS procedures, with specific attention to all safety equipment and engines.
- Report any maintenance checks or incidents as per the Company’s SMS.
- Assist the Captain in ensuring the vessel is fully stocked with fuel, water, and supplies, addressing any shortages before service.
- Support the engineering department with watering, bunkering, servicing duties, and other ad‑hoc tasks as needed.
- Assist in vessel surveys and their preparation, ensuring that all onboard documentation and equipment is maintained and looked after.
- Ensure the vessel is clean, tidy, and well presented, at all times to comply with the Company’s SMS and London Port Health regulations.
- Carry out the duties of a third hand on board our vessels, particularly on charters, and take responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the workboats.
- Participate in dockings, stability tests, and shipyard operations as needed, contributing to the safe and efficient execution of these tasks.
- Provide passengers with a commentary through the City Cruises sightseeing journey and give them an amazing experience along the River Thames.
- Be well presented and groomed in Company uniform at all times when representing City Cruises and serving to the public.
- Attend and participate in training across all City Cruises UK locations, ensuring familiarity with company standards, procedures, and operations at each site.
- Perform any other task set by the Operations team.
- Be an ambassador for the company whilst off site.
Requirements & Qualifications:
Educational Level/Qualifications: GCSEs including English and Maths (Level 2/Grade C and above).
Personal Skills Required:
- Willingness to learn and progress.
- Self‑motivated.
- Problem solver with the ability to offer solutions.
- Act with integrity at all times.
- Exhibit a professional attitude at all times.
- Calm and able to work well under pressure.
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.
- Reliable and will attend work on a punctual basis.
- Highly organised.
- Able to work under direction and follow the chain of command.
- Flexible in carrying out duties at any of the Company’s locations, offices or departments and fulfil other tasks that fall within the post as required.
- Company focused.
- Able to write and speak English to the level required for the role.
As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. Candidates will be assessed objectively against the requirements for the position.
Maritime Trainee Apprentice employer: Hornblower Group
Join City Cruises as a Maritime Trainee Apprentice and embark on a rewarding journey along the iconic River Thames. Our supportive work culture fosters hands-on learning and professional growth, with experienced crew members guiding you through your apprenticeship. Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and the chance to develop essential maritime skills in a vibrant and dynamic environment, all while contributing to unforgettable experiences for our passengers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maritime Trainee Apprentice
✨Get Involved in Local Transport Initiatives
Join local transport and logistics meetups or community groups. These gatherings can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field and discovering apprenticeship openings, often before they're advertised.
✨Leverage Your College Links
If you're at college, get in touch with your career services. They often have partnerships with companies in the transportation and logistics sector that are looking for enthusiastic apprentices, so don't be shy about tapping into those connections.
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Industry
Create a small portfolio or blog that reflects your interest in logistics. Share insights or analysis about trends in transportation. This shows potential employers, like Hornblower Group, that you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Direct Hits
When you find an apprenticeship with Hornblower Group, make sure you apply through our website. It's often the quickest way to get noticed by hiring managers, plus you’ll gain a bit of an edge over candidates who apply through other channels.
We think you need these skills to ace Maritime Trainee Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Navigating the Basics:Make sure your CV outlines any relevant experience in transportation or logistics, even if it's just from school projects or part-time jobs. It’s all about showing your enthusiasm for the field and any skills like organisation and time management that you've gained along the way.
Show off Your Skills:In your cover letter, mention specific skills that are important in transportation and logistics, such as problem-solving or communication. Share examples of how you've used these skills effectively in past experiences; it could be from group work, projects, or even helping out with family businesses.
Your Journey to Us:Don’t shy away from sharing your motivation for wanting to do an apprenticeship in the transportation-logistics sector. Employers love to see a genuine interest in learning the ropes and contributing to their team at Hornblower Group. What do you hope to gain from this apprenticeship?
Keep it Relevant:Remember to tailor your application to Hornblower Group. If there are specific projects or innovations they’re known for in the transportation-logistics space, mention them. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hornblower Group
✨Know Your Logistics Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with transportation and logistics concepts, like supply chain management and inventory control. It might be helpful for us to brush up on common terminology and key players in the industry, which could pop up during your interview at Hornblower Group.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In logistics, interviewers often like to present you with hypothetical scenarios, like dealing with delivery delays or managing unexpected changes in shipments. Try and think of examples from your past experiences or even use case studies to illustrate how you’d handle these situations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an apprenticeship, showing off your eagerness to learn is super important! We want to showcase that we are not just here for the job but that we are invested in growing our skills and knowledge within the logistics sector at Hornblower Group.
✨Show Off Those Soft Skills
In transportation-logistics, communication is key! Be prepared to discuss how you can effectively collaborate with team members and manage relationships with clients and suppliers. It's all about teamwork and adaptability, so let’s make sure we convey that enthusiasm during the interview.
