Viking Crew Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2024

It's National Apprenticeship Week and at Viking Crew we’re celebrating by catching up with Crewing Apprentices, Liam Sumpter, aged 23, and Bethany Deans, aged 22, who are both studying a Business Administrator Course with East Kent Colleges Group.

Liam started his apprenticeship in July 2022, whilst Bethany started hers a few months later in January 2023. 

How did you discover the Apprenticeship?

Liam: "I discovered the apprenticeship on the Government website. Apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience in a company you’re not familiar with, and I believe that with the right mindset and determination you can push through and make your way into any organisation."

Beth: "I studied Animal Management at College, but I wanted to learn more about the business industry. My family suggested that an apprenticeship was a good option for me as I could develop my skills and gain a relevant qualification, whilst being paid at the same time. 

I applied on the Government website, originally applying for an apprenticeship at Viking Crew for the Placement Team, however realised my skill set would better suit the Crewing Team and their day-to-day tasks.

I had a look at the Viking Crew website and was impressed by the business’ aims. I really like to travel, and the fact it's a global company was impressive to me. I was also interested in learning more about the behind the scenes of a business."

How long have you been doing your apprenticeship?

Liam: "I’m now coming to the end of my apprenticeship, after starting in July 2022."

Beth: "I started my apprenticeship in January 2023, so just over a year. I am due to finish in June 2024."

Was an apprenticeship always your path after education?

Liam: "I wasn't sure of the path I wanted to take after leaving school. However, I thought an apprenticeship would be a good way to stay in education and further my studies. Therefore, when I discovered what I did want to do, it would be a smoother transition into the workplace."

Beth: "Not really, as when I was at College they mainly encouraged going to university as the next step. It wasn’t until my family mentioned it to me that I looked into doing an apprenticeship."

What skills have you learnt during your apprenticeship/time with Viking Crew?

Liam: "My IT skills have really developed since being with Viking Crew, as before joining, I had limited knowledge of Outlook software. Since then, I've learnt skills such as how to use Excel formulas to streamline my work."

Beth: "I have really developed my time management skills, being able to prioritise my tasks more efficiently. I carry out a lot of admin tasks in my role, using Excel spreadsheets. Before this role, I hadn’t really used emails a lot so I have also developed my email etiquette. 

My confidence and people skills have really grown as I speak with clients and other staff members on the phone, as well as on online calls."

Which aspects of the job do you enjoy?

Liam: "I really enjoy the people I work with, bouncing off of their energy keeps me motivated."

Bethany: "My team are really supportive, it is great to come in and work with them. I really enjoy that my role is varied as I work for a variety of clients, including Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Noble Caledonia."

Would you recommend an apprenticeship?

Liam: "I would definitely say yes, an apprenticeship is very beneficial as it helps you get into the workplace and provides you with experience that employers look for. As a result you gain industry experience accompanied with studies that you would have completed at university."

Bethany: "Most definitely. I feel really supported in my job, and I did especially at the beginning when I started. Everyone is really friendly and always there if I need any help, it’s really nice."

How is your work/study balance?

Liam: "My apprenticeship is provided by East Kent Colleges Group and my assessor will check in to make sure my work is up to standard, and if not, they will implement an action plan to support my work, as well as identify areas of improvement.  It's nice to share the apprenticeship experience with Beth as we are both doing the Business Administration course, I am just a few months ahead of her."

Bethany: "It’s manageable, I have an online call with my tutor from Canterbury College every month and check in with my manager regularly. I am also given time during work to work on my project for my apprenticeship."

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

Since interviewing Liam, he has now passed his apprenticeship and will working with us as a Crewing Assistant. Liam's Line Manager, and Crewing Manager, Christina Allen, said:

 “Liam has continually developed his business and computer skill set throughout his apprenticeship, which in turn has also seen his personal skills and self-confidence grow stronger each month. Liam has found efficiencies within his day-to-day workload, as well as sharing some of these with the team. He is a great addition to the team.” 

Bethany’s Line Manager and Head of Crewing, Emily Jaenicke, said her of progress: 

“It’s fantastic to witness the growth that the apprenticeship program has brought to Bethany. You can easily see what it has done for her confidence. She is a reliable member of the team who is well versed in our operational procedures.” 

Are you thinking of applying for an Apprenticeship?

If you're feeling inspired by Liam and Bethany's apprenticeship journeys, click here to find out more about apprenticeships in the UK.