Luxury cruise agency Panache Cruises plans to take on more apprentices after hitting an initial target of recruiting ten this year.
The company in Chorley, Lancashire, has attracted apprentices from schools, colleges or universities, who are looking to take on full time positions along with continuing their formal education, since summer 2020.
The current group are working across all areas of the business including marketing, finance, sales and customer service.
Those who finish the programme, with a 100% success rate, will be offered full-time positions and receive further development to become managers and leaders of the future.
The apprenticeship package includes a “competitive” salary along with a benefits package which includes 33 days annual leave, an allowance to spend on personal holidays, private medical cover, enhanced pension offering and flexible working.
Panache Cruises, which was established in the height of the pandemic, currently employs a team of more than 50 staff.
Company founder and chief executive James Cole expects the workforce to at least double in the next three years with apprentices being its biggest recruitment channel.
He said: “Since establishing Panache Cruises, it’s always been a personal passion of mine to invest in and develop young talent.
“We have seen enormous benefits from introducing this programme. Being able to take on young, colleagues who have the aptitude to not only do a great job but also want to learn too, is a win win for all.
“They receive good pay and benefits, and get to learn on the job from experts, and we develop a well-skilled team, whilst developing managers and leaders of the future.”
Cole added: “By 2030 we aim to have invested in over 100 apprenticeships.
“Our first-ever apprentice, Olivia Edwards, who studied digital marketing, has since gone on to become an exceptionally valued member of our team, managing and creating content helping drive forward our digital strategy.”
Edwards said: “I gained a whole host of skills during the course, including video editing, design work, website building and SEO skills. I love that my colleagues supported me through the course. The working environment at Panache Cruises is uplifting and positive and the team work so well together. We are always learning from each other and motivating one another.”