DFDS calls for 'as many apprentices' as possible

Ferry operator DFDS has encouraged young islanders to consider a maritime career at an event for school-leavers in Jersey.

Bosses said they were looking to hire the next generation of deck and engine crews on 18-month apprenticeships.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gemma Griffin, head of crewing for DFDS, said she was looking to recruit "as many [young people] that want to come".

The Danish ferry firm previously pledged to hire local staff, and offered some old Condor employees jobs on their ships when the company took over as Jersey's operator earlier this year.

DFDS said that more than 100 former Condor staff had joined its ranks since it took over, but now it was looking to add a new crop of ferry workers to the team.

At a careers event on board the Tarifa Jet in Elizabeth Harbour, the person in charge of the recruitment drive, Gemma Griffin, said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for young people.

She said: "The sky's the limit when you're qualified because, the more experience that you get at sea, then the longer your career journey can be.

"You could become a future captain or a future chief engineer. So, it really is cradle-to-grave stuff here that we're talking about".

DFDS said it was looking to recruit deck apprentices, engine apprentices, and also had roles available on the commercial side too.

Chris Parker, Jersey route director for DFDS, said apprentices would benefit from the knowledge and skills held by former Condor staff who had remained in the industry.

He said: "We have a lot of ex-Condor employees and I'm really pleased that they've stayed in the ferry industry.

"That was a real concern because these are people with a huge amount of experience and skills, which if the ferry industry loses them, it's very difficult to replace".

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